Finite element analysis of shank and ankle with different boot collar heights in parachuting landing on inversion ground surface

This study aimed to the biomechanics of the foot-ankle-shank complex with different boots collar heights in parachuting landing on inversion ground surface. A finite element model including tibia, fibula, ankle, foot and parachuting boot was developed. Three collar heights (low, medium, high) of the parachuting boot were simulated. Von-Mises stress, ankle inversion angle, ligament force and bone displacement were analyzed. Compared with that of the high and low collar heights, boots with medium collar height produced the lowest peak stress on the tibia and the articular cartilage of the subtalar joint. In addition, the medium collar height can better control the ankle inversion and minimize the tensile forces on the lateral ankle ligaments.