The epidemiology of falanga--incidence among Swedish asylum seekers

Falanga (falaka), beating of the soles, is commonly reported by torture survivors. It is known to be used in many countries and regions where torture practice is endemic. In this study 131 torture victims were examined at the Kris and Trauma Centrum [KTC]of Stockholm. Falanga was reported in 45 % of the cases. It was most commonly found among Bangladeshian and Syrian patients but was also reported from all Middle Eastern countries and Northern Africa. Scars and/or pigmentations on the feet and/or lower legs as well as palpable soft tissue irregularities were seen in 82% of the patients reporting falanga, of which 36% had scars or pigmentations in the soles. Persistent pain and tenderness of feet and lower legs were reported in 48%. The signs and symptoms were highly significant when compared with a control group who had not received falanga [p<0.0001].