title: Flatfoot in children: anatomy of decision making.
abstract: Concern about a child's foot posture is a common reason for frequent consultations for an array of health care professionals; sports medicine specialists are often the first to recognize and advise on foot pathology. In the decision making process, it is essential to distinguish between the different types of flatfoot deformity: paediatric or adult, congenital or acquired, flexible or rigid. Although flatfoot in children is a common finding, evidence for the techniques of the reliable and reproducible assessment of the foot posture is scant. This general review presents the factors involved in the forming and supporting of the foot arches, discusses the protocols useful in the evaluation of the foot posture, and indicates how to differentiate between flatfoot cases needing treatment and cases that need only reassurance.
authors: Department of Biomorphological and Functional Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
authors: Daria
authors: D
authors: Nurzynska
authors: Franca
authors: F
authors: Di Meglio
authors: Clotilde
authors: C
authors: Castaldo
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Latino
authors: Veronica
authors: V
authors: Romano
authors: Rita
authors: R
authors: Miraglia
authors: Germano
authors: G
authors: Guerra
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Brunese
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Montagnani
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography