Abstract
Background: flatfoot is a common problem in school age children, many factors may predispose to the development of flatfoot such as overweight, hypo kinesis, or hereditary factors. It is a common cause of pediatric orthopedic visits. Objectives: this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of flatfoot in both genders in the population of 6- to 12-year-old schoolchildren, and to examine the relation of age, sex, weight, and height to flat foot. Methods: A total population of 563, in age ranging from 6 year to 12 years in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah city was chosen. Foot posture was assessed by Foot Posture Index. Flat foot clinical diagnosis was determined by heel valgus position, navicular bone position, and medial arch formation on standing position. Results: Flat foot prevalence in male children was 74.74%, while in female children it was 86.54%. The results showed that there is no significant correlation between flat foot and weight (r=-0.051, p=0.223). Also, there was no significant correlation between BMI and flat foot (r=0.003, p=0.592). On the other hand, the results showed that there was significant correlation between age, height and flat foot (r=-0.086, p=0.041), (r-0.094, p=0.026) respectively. Equally, there is significant correlation between sex and flat foot (r=0.132, p=0.002). Conclusion: The flat foot prevalence in Saudi Arabia children is high compared to other countries. This means that children may require closer monitoring. The study demonstrated that medial arch development was associated with age, gender and height.