Structural and functional disorders in pediatric patients’ foot

Introduction: Foot deformities in pediatric patients comprise a broad group of disorders. They are the result of the interaction of exogenous and endogenous factors that can influence the infant's psychomotor development. Objective: To characterize structural and functional defects of the foot in pediatric patients. Method: A literature review was conducted. The search was conducted in the Scielo, PubMed, and Episteminokos databases using keywords and descriptors. A total of 44 studies were found, and 21 were selected to fulfill the objective of this study. Development: The foot requires a perfect anatomical and physiological arrangement to ensure the fulfillment of its functions: walking and standing. Many of the disorders develop physiologically and are adequately resolved with conservative treatment. However, there are disorders that have a structural component and require intensive treatment (surgical in some cases) to ensure adequate psychomotor development. Disorders such as flatfoot and varus equinus are common in these age groups. Conclusions: There are multiple structural or functional disorders of the foot in pediatric patients. They involve a complex condition that goes beyond the framework of a deformity, with a strong genetic or congestive component in its etiology or the conjunction of multiple exogenous factors. Each presents a distinctive symptomatic presentation depending on the characteristic anatomical defect.