Prevalence of foot anomalies in schoolchildren between 6 and 12 years old of elementary education from Arica-Chile

Orthopedic foot problems in children are the most common at this time of life. For this reason it is important to differentiate between a normal foot and an altered foot. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of flat and cavus foot in elementary schoolchildren to Arica, Chile. Four hundred and twenty students (210 girls and 210 boys) from 3 different schools of elementary education in the city of Arica, ages 6-12 years, apparently healthy, were measured. All study subjects underwent an assessment of the footprint from the anteroposterior plane, using a podograph. Parents and teachers were surveyed about the level of knowledge and the implications of these anomalies. The results show in boys a prevalence of 31.6% for flat foot and 11.6% for cavus foot. In girls the prevalence was 24.3% to flat foot and 14.4% for cavus foot. The weight and body mass index are positively correlated in expression standing anomaly in the student population of Arica, Chile. The public, municipal and gratuitous schools, have the highest standing indices of anomalies, with values of 45%. The private schools (43%), subsidized private schools, showing lower rates of abnormal foot, with 35%. In the analysis of the survey shows that few parents have knowledge of these changes and their consequences for the position. Flat foot is the anomaly of greater awareness by parents and teachers. We conclude that flatfoot is more prevalent in the student population of Arica, with 28%, cavus foot presenting a prevalence of 13%.