Experimental Characterisation of the Mechanical Properties of Lightweight 3D Printed Polymer Materials for Biomechanical Application in Ankle-Foot Orthosis

Abstract

In lumbar disc herniation a possible functional problem in the ambulation is the Foot-drop syndrome caused by radicular nerve pinching. This causes a dramatic loss in gait cycle efficiency. In the rehabilitation process patients may benefit from wearing a foot orthosis that prevents them from falling and secondary injuries. Evidence in the literature suggests the important correlation between the optimal match of the forces produced during human gait and the rigidity of the constructive materials. The inherent rigidity of the materials plays an important role in determining its biomechanical functions. The paper proposes an experimental and numerical characterization of 3D printed ABS and PLA specimens using a universal traction-compression testing machine and a finite element method numerical simulation.