Flexible flatfoot of 6-13-year-old children: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the flexible flatfoot (FFF) prevalence and related factors in school-aged children. METHODS: A total of 1059 children aged 6-13 years were included. Dynamic footprints according to the FootScan system were collected from both feet. The relationship of FFF with age, gender, side, and body mass index (BMI) was investigated. RESULTS: FFF percentage decreased from 39.5% at 6 years to 11.8% at 12 years and reached a plateau at 12-13 years. Overweight (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.03-1.77, P = 0.03) and obese (OR 2.43, 95%CI 1.81-3.26, P＜0.01) showed a positive correlation with percentage of FFF children. No correlation was found between FFF prevalence and gender or side. CONCLUSIONS: FFF prevalence decreases with age and reaches a plateau at 12-13 years. Moreover, FFF prevalence is positively correlated with increased BMI and body height.