The National Institutes of Health has awarded Karen Kruger, research associate professor in the Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, a grant with an anticipated value of $3.2 million, Marquette announced on Wednesday.

With this funding, Kruger will study the 3D structure and function of pediatric flat feet throughout growth and development, according to Marquette’s news release. The goal of the study is to allow for more accurate clinical assessment and targeted treatment planning for children with flat feet and other foot issues.

With a consortium of colleagues from the University of Utah; University of California, Davis; University of Nebraska Medical Center; and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Kruger will assess weightbearing computed tomography and its ability to provide 3D radiographic imaging for use in children.

“The foot is a complex structure and severe deformities such as flat feet are common among children, with reported incidence as high as 44% of children,” Kruger said. “Weightbearing computed tomography is an emerging technology and has been called a ‘game-changer’ due to its ability to observe pathologies in the adult foot previously not able to be seen. Despite the successes and changes in clinical paradigms resulting from its technological advances, applications have been limited to adult foot deformity and have not been translated to pediatric populations. This has created a large knowledge gap in our understanding of foot pathologies throughout growth and development.”

Kruger’s project could “allow for a more informed decision-making process for clinicians providing care, ranging from tone management, orthotics prescription and surgical interventions,” according to the news release.

The project will also continue the Marquette University Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Engineering Center’s collaboration with Shriners Children’s.

“This is a remarkable project that will bring new technology and knowledge to pediatric care, made possible by Dr. Karen Kruger’s collaborative leadership across multiple institutions and with the support of NIH,” said Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering. “I am inspired by Dr. Kruger’s ability to build on Marquette’s legacy of collaboration with Shriners, MCW and research partners around the world. She is a true servant leader who is making a difference for clinicians and families.”