Improving care for diabetic foot ulcers: The M-brace

Patients with chronic diabetes mellitus, due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, are vulnerable to vascular disease and nerve damage. Reduced sensation in the legs and feet can lead to unnoticed foot damage, while decreased blood circulation slows healing, increasing the risk of long-lasting ulcers. The M-brace project, aims to revolutionize ulcer treatment for diabetic patients.

The M-brace project aims to standardize the creation of offloading soles for diabetic foot ulcers. This involves using an IDEF-0 diagram to outline the process, starting with creating an imprint, 3D-scanning it, designing the sole, producing, verifying, and finally monitoring the patient post-implementation. The project focuses on determining the required accuracy and reliability of the imprint and scan, crucial for creating consistent and effective offloading soles.

Achieve accuracy in both imprint and scan.
Simplify offloading sole creation.
Enhance ulcer treatment speed and efficacy.
Ensure hygienic, certified offloading soles.

01 January 2023 - 01 January 2026

We will follow an IDEF-0 diagram to create offloading soles: imprinting, 3D-scanning, design, production, verification, and post-implementation patient monitoring.

The M-brace project offers an opportunity for healthcare and education collaboration. Students and professionals will engage in innovative research, improving diabetic ulcer treatment. Standardizing the process not only benefits patient outcomes but also provides a real-world learning experience for future healthcare professionals.