Physical deformities in Nigerian schools: the Port Harcourt Cohort study.

A total of 3,144 Nigerian school children, adolescents and adults were clinically screened for physical deformities in order to identify and classify the various forms of physical deformities found in Nigerian schools; ascertain cause; determine the health, educational and rehabilitation needs of the subjects and offer suggestions as to ways of meeting these needs. Nine hundred and seventy-two (30.9%) of the subjects were identified with various physical deformities including Non-rachitic Primary Knee Deformities; Pes Planus; Talipes Equinus Varus; Scoliosis; Limb Length Discrepancy; Cubitus Valgus and Hallux Valgus. Statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of male and female subjects who had Genu Valgum (p less than 0.005); Genu Recurvatum (p less than 0.001) and Cubitus Valgus (p less than 0.001). Subjects with Limb Length Discrepancies had a significant mean limb Length Difference between the right and left lower extremities (p less than 0.001). A majority of the physical deformities (92.1%) were attributed to congenital factors. Considering reports from numerous countries, the prevalence of scoliosis in this cohort may be said to be low. In general, it may be concluded that physical deformities in Nigerian schools are mild to moderate in nature; with a few cases requiring correction by physiotherapy or orthopaedic surgery.