The group designed a non-invasive strain application device that improved upon existing fracture healing devices such as external fixators, casts, and functional braces. The design included combining an AirCast walking boot and patellar tendon bearing (PTB) brace, with the ability to create a gap beneath the heel. Three tests were used to verify the mechanical properties of the analogue bones, the strains at the fracture site produced by various forces, and the forces experienced at different locations on the foot while wearing the device. Through proof of concept, the testing showed that introducing a gap in the device correlates to a dampened force and strain at the fracture site for optimal healing conditions.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Potter, Emily Stephanie
• Sauer, Nathaniel Guild
• Jacobs, Samuel Donlon
• Tevenan, Julie Anne

Contributors

• Hera, Adriana
• Hefti, Peter

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042616-124150

Advisor

• Savilonis, Brian James

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright