Early detection of podiatric anomalies in children with Down syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the importance of podiatric evaluation in patients with Down syndrome for the early diagnosis and treatment of minor orthopaedic problems.


METHODS
Case-control study of 50 children affected by Down syndrome (aged 4-10 y) without major orthopaedic malformations compared to 100 healthy children. A complete podiatric examination was performed on all patients and controls.


RESULTS
Children with Down syndrome showed several orthopaedic anomalies including bony deformity of the forefoot (90%), flat foot (60%), isolated calcaneal valgus (24%), knee valgus (22%) and pronated flat foot (16%). These abnormalities were responsible for postural alterations as confirmed by baropodometric examination.


CONCLUSIONS
The data demonstrated a greater incidence of minor orthopaedic alterations and suggest the necessity of regular podiatric examinations in the follow-up of this syndrome.
Concolino
Daniela
D
Department of Paediatrics, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy. dconcolino@unicz.it
Pasquzzi
Antonietta
A
Capalbo
Giuseppe
G
Sinopoli
Saverio
S
Strisciuglio
Pietro
P
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000473:pathology; D005530:Foot Deformities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009123:Muscle Hypotonia / Q000150:complications