PREVALENCE OF FOOT DEFORMITIES IN YOUNG SCHOOLCHILDREN IN SLAVONIA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of foot deformity in urban children, as well as possible generational and gender differences using graphic and angular methods. The sample of study subjects included 426 1st to 4th grade schoolchildren (7 to 10 years of age). Out of the total number of schoolchildren, 181 children (88 boys and 93 girls) were measured in 2005, and 244 children (122 boys and 123 girls) in 2011. The results indicated that the largest number of children had no noticeable foot deformity, flat foot in particular. Likewise, there were no gender differences in the occurrence of flat feet and no statistically significant differences in the incidence between the children measured in 2005 and 2011. Due to the problems that foot deformities could cause, it is necessary to continue monitoring foot arches of young schoolchildren in order to intervene on time and prevent the occurrence of deformities by appropriate therapeutic procedures.