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Foot and ankle abnormalities among a cohort of Nigerian school children: an epidemiological study

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Abstract

Purpose

Foot and ankle problems in children are a common cause for paediatric orthopaedic referrals. There is a variation in the reported epidemiology of foot and ankle abnormalities across the globe. The prevalence in our locality was unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence pattern of foot and ankle problems in our locality as well as compare with patterns from other geographical locations to determine the presence or otherwise, of differences among varying populations.

Methods

One thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight Nigerian primary school children aged between five and 13 years were clinically evaluated, checking for weight, height and calculation of BMI. The heel axis angle and hallux angle were measured clinically while determination of flatfeet or high arched feet was made from analysis of foot imprints.

Results

Hindfoot valgus was the commonest abnormality of the foot and ankle in this population with a prevalence of 34.2% and predominantly in females and older children, while hallux valgus and a high arched foot were the least common abnormalities at 0.6 and 0.7% prevalence rates, respectively. We found no statistically significant relationship between BMI and hindfoot valgus.

Conclusion

Hindfoot valgus is the commonest foot and ankle abnormality among primary school children in our locality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics & Trauma, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, PMB1111, Benin City, Nigeria

    A. Bafor & C. N. Chibuzom

Authors
  1. A. Bafor
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  2. C. N. Chibuzom
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Correspondence to A. Bafor.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of Interest.

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Approval for this study was obtained from our institution’s ethical review committee.

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Bafor, A., Chibuzom, C.N. Foot and ankle abnormalities among a cohort of Nigerian school children: an epidemiological study. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 44, 1169–1175 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04568-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04568-z

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