[Deformities and misalignment of feet in children--a field study of 345 students].

PURPOSE: purpose of this study was to evaluate paediatric feet and to document possible problems.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In 345 high school pupils of the 5th and 6th class aged 10 to 13 the feet as well as leg alignment were evaluated with a standardised protocol.

RESULTS

Only 36.5% showed regular feet. In almost 2/3rd of the pupils malalignements or even deformities were present. The valgus foot showed the highest incidence with 39.4% followed by a flat foot with 19.1%. 17.1% of the children showed a hallux valgus. There was no correlation between body weight, body height, leg alignment and foot deformity. However, a significant correlation could we found between hallux valgus and splay foot.

CONCLUSION

The presented data underlines the necessity for paying attention on the problems of the paediatric feet. During sport lessons in school a special foot training for children should be performed.