Objective: Overweight has reached epidemic proportions globally. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study aimed at describing the prevalence and characteristics of orthopedic problems in otherwise healthy Thai obese children.

Materials and Methods: Obese children aged between 2 to 15 years with a high body mass index (BMT >95th percentile for age) were included in the study. Children with endocrine abnormalities were excluded. All eligible participants received physical and radiographic examinations to evaluate any
deformity including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans to measure bone mineral density (bone age).

Results: Ninety-five obese children, mean age 9.7+3.7 years, were included of whom 61% were male. The average BMT was
31.7 kg/m2, and more than 50% of the children had a BMT above the 200th percentile. Orthopedic problems, i.e., pain, deformities, or injuries, were found in 60% of the children. The most common musculoskeletal problems were knee pain and knee deformities. The mean BMD Z-score was 2.36+1.2 and the mean bone age was 11.7+4.4 years.

Conclusion: Orthopedic problems are common in obese children, especially those with a BMT exceeding the 150th percentile for their age. They also tend to have a higher BMD and advanced skeletal age. These factors may restrict their mobility and tolerance for physical activity. Health care providers should be aware of the higher risk of orthopedic problems in obese children, and the need to initiate interventions or programs to help the children lose weight and prevent complications.

Keywords: Orthopedic problems, Childhood obesity