Advancing 3D Foot Imaging in Kids with Flat Feet
Official title: Advancing Functional Assessment of Pediatric Flatfoot Using Weightbearing CT
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11412669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric-focused project uses weightbearing 3D ankle imaging to better understand flatfeet and related foot deformities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $633,769 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD118205-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children and young adults with flatfeet or anatomic foot abnormalities, including those with neurologic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience direct benefit beyond contributing to research and gaining access to potentially enhanced imaging interpretations.
What this research studies
This project will study how weightbearing CT can reveal the true 3D structure of a child’s foot, especially when flat feet are present. By focusing on kids with neurologic conditions and typical development, researchers will compare 3D images to standard X-rays to see what details are visible or missing. The goal is to improve diagnosis and planning for treatment by mapping how pediatric feet grow and deform over time using safe imaging. Participants may undergo WBCT scans and share clinical information to build a clearer picture of pediatric foot anatomy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for children with flatfeet.
How similar studies have gone: Previous adult-focused WBCT work showed transformative insights; pediatric applications are emerging and would be novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kruger, Karen — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Kruger, Karen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.