FOOT SIMULATOR DEVICE FOR CHIROPODY PRACTICE

Description

The invention consists of a foot simulator device intended for teaching and practical training in podiatry, especially for practicing the mechanical debridement of hyperkeratosis and corns. The device comprises a modular main body in the anthropomorphic shape of a foot, made of polymeric material, which incorporates housings or receptacles where interchangeable modules simulating skin lesions are inserted. These modules replicate healthy tissue and lesions susceptible to delamination using mixtures of waxes and paraffins of varying hardness and color, realistically mimicking the mechanical response of hyperkeratotic tissue when treated with a scalpel or equivalent instrument. The system also includes a flexible "swan neck" support with a clamp, allowing the model to be fixed to a work surface and its position adjusted during practice.

Advantages

• Enables practical training in chiropody techniques in a safe and controlled environment before contact with real patients.
• Realistically reproduces the tactile and mechanical sensation of hyperkeratosis and helomas peeling.
• Features a modular structure with interchangeable parts, facilitating the replacement of only the used or worn areas.
• Reduces costs compared to complete commercial models, as it is not necessary to replace the entire foot or plantar surface after each use.
• Promotes sustainability by using wax/paraffin modules that can be melted and reused to manufacture new parts.
• Allows for the simulation of different lesion locations on the sole, lateral regions, and hallux (big toe).
• Incorporates a flexible support system that improves ergonomics and allows for adapting the foot position to the simulated clinical practice.
• Facilitates practical teaching in large groups by offering a reusable, economical model geared towards specific clinical skills.

Uses and Applications

The device is primarily intended for university teaching and healthcare training, especially in Podiatry degrees and practical training in chiropody.
Its main applications are:
• Student training in mechanical delamination techniques.
• Simulation of hyperkeratosis and heloma treatments.
• Preclinical practical teaching in podiatry.
• Evaluation of technical skills before patient practice.
• Continuing education for healthcare professionals involved in foot care.
• Use in clinical simulation laboratories, university clinics, healthcare training centers, and podiatry schools.El dispositivo está dirigido principalmente al ámbito docente universitario y de formación sanitaria, especialmente en el Grado en Podología y en formación práctica en quiropodología.