Digital medicine: a reality that has come

At the Mari State University, the project “Manufacturing an orthopedic wedge-shaped valgus corrector by means of image processing and printing the finished product on a 3D printer” is being implemented (supervisor: Candidate of Medical Sciences. ME Winderlich). This is a joint project of scientists from the Medical Institute and the Institute of Digital Technologies. The novelty of the project lies in the fact that for the first time it becomes possible to remotely diagnose foot hyperpronation using innovative computer programs to process digital images of the lower extremities.

At the Department of Applied Mathematics and Informatics under the leadership of Cand. physical-mat. Sciences A.E. Nedopekina developed an innovative computer program, which determines the angle of valgus deviation of the calcaneus from the image of the posterior surface of the lower limb. They also calculate the height of the wedge corrector for each leg (right and left). Now we are working on the output of the model for 3D printing.

The possibility of non-contact, remote diagnostics of the valgus (varus) deviation of the calcaneus contributes to the detection of the disease in the early stages.

An important point of the study is the individual production of calcaneus deviation correctors for each foot, since in most cases there is a difference in the valgus angle of the right and left foot, which leads to the skewing of the pelvic bones, the development of scoliosis, arthrosis of the joints of the lower extremities. Individual correction of the hyperpronation of each table allows for the prevention of the development of pathology of the spine and lower extremities, as well as the treatment of these diseases. The therapeutic effect is achieved by bringing the vertical axis of the calcaneus and lower limb to a physiological position using individual valgus correctors, which leads to a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.

The consumers of these products can be medical institutions, prosthetic and orthopedic enterprises, orthopedic salons, rehabilitation centers, health resorts. The latest digital developments have a positive effect on the development of the most promising methods of organizing the provision of medical care to the population around the world.