An Open-Source Topology Optimization Framework for ISO 10328-Compliant, Image-Driven Prosthetic Foot Design.

Authors

Ekrem Ekici, Ahmed S Dalaq

Published in

International journal for numerical methods in biomedical engineering. Volume 42. Issue 10. Pages e70222.

Abstract

Prosthetic foot design remains relatively rudimentary, as high-strength materials such as metals and carbon-fiber composites limit fabrication methods and design freedom. Conventional approaches rely on size optimization of simple geometries, which do not fully capture anatomical boundaries or natural force transmission through the foot. Here, we adopt an initial design domain derived from the side profile of an actual human leg, providing a more anatomically consistent and patient-specific basis for topology optimization. We present a fully automated, open-source framework for prosthetic foot design that incorporates ISO 10328 boundary conditions to ensure reliability. Topology optimization is used to determine the optimal material distribution, followed by geometry smoothing for 3D printing. A key outcome is a universal design curve obtained through nondimensionalization: ${\mathrm{CEL}}_f/F^2$ , linking material stiffness, foot size, and patient weight. This enables direct design selection without rerunning optimization for each patient, cutting out design time and cost. Overall, the framework provides a fast, scalable approach to personalized prosthetic design.

PMID:
42855928
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 10 Oct 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.