The prevalence of flatfoot among Saudi population: A systematic review

Abstract

Flatfoot is a foot deformity characterized by a collapsed medial arch, plantar flexion and medial rotation of the talus, eversion of the calcaneus, and forefoot abduction. The flatfoot prevalence and causes are not well known despite its correlation with multiple factors. This study aimed to systematically review all studies that estimated the flatfoot prevalence among Saudi population and list the associated factors. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and Joanna Briggs Institute reviewer’s manual were followed to perform this systematic review. Data collection was through several databases using terms including prevalence, Saudi, and flatfoot with their synonyms. The inclusion criteria were both adults and children’s studies that were carried out in Saudi Arabia (Saudi and non-Saudi), with the exclusion of secondary flatfoot (due to traumatic or pathological causes) studies. A total of 361 published studies before July 2021 which involved 6190 participants were reviewed, and only six studies were included in the study. The participants’ age ranged from 4.2 ± 3.6 to 37 ± 11.26 years. There was male predominance, with body mass index (BMI), age, and gender being common factors studied in the articles. Flatfoot prevalence in Saudi Arabia differed according to multiple factors as reported by different authors. This review revealed a wide range of flatfoot prevalence among the Saudi population. Most of the included studies reported that BMI, age, gender, residence, family history of flatfoot, footwear type during childhood, hypermobility, functional mobility, balance, and flexibility of the whole body had a significant impact on flatfoot prevalence.