Epidemiology of foot deformities in Southern Italy: focus on Pes Planus and Pes Cavus

Background Pes cavus and Pes Planus are two foot deformities and could be detected through baropodometrical digital techniques. In our study, we used computerized baropodometric analysis to make diagnosis of Pes planus and Pes cavus in the population of Foggia (Apulia Region, Southern Italy). The aim of our study was to calculate the prevalence of these deformities and to show significant differences due to gender or age. Methods We conducted a cross sectional study from January 2011 to August 2016, in the Orthopaedic Ambulatory of the LHU of Foggia, Italy. The patients were asked to sign a consent form to participate in the study. The baropodometric analysis was performed to diagnose Pes planus and Pes cavus, and additional information (gender and age) were recorded. We calculated percentages, means and standard deviation. The Chi-square test, and the calculation of Odds Ratio were used to identify differences due to these variables (sex and age). Results We performed 7816 baropodometric tests, and 978 patients were screened for suspected foot deformities: 668 cases of Pes cavus and 310 of Pes Planus were diagnosed. There is a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of Pes cavus and Pes Planus (p < 0.01) due to age: the young age is a risk factor for Pes Planus (OR = 1.61 CI 95% 1.22 - 2.11) but protective for Pes cavus (OR = 0.62 CI 95% 0.47- 0.81). There is a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) due to sex in the prevalence of hollow feet (OR = 0.44 CI 95% 0.33 - 0.59) and flat feet (OR = 2.23 CI 95% 1.68 - 2.98): beinga man reduces the risk for hollow feet, but increases the risk for flat feet. Conclusions Pes Planus and Pes cavus are not so spread in the general population but they represent an underestimated public health problem because these deformities negatively influence the productivity of workers. It would be interesting to continue our study evaluating also the impact of these problems on the quality of life of affected patients. Key messages: Pes cavus and Pes Planus are two foot deformities and the baropodometrical digital techniques are fundamental for their detection. Pes Planus and Pes cavus are not so spread in general population but they represent an underestimated public health problem.