Surgical Correction of Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities

Surgical correction of severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities with resection arthroplasties of the lesser metatarsal phalangeal joints and arthrodesis of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint resulted in a significant long-term improvement with respect to shoe wear, pain, and the ability to stand and walk in 95% of the patients. Ninety percent had a good or excellent functional result. There was minimal recurrence of deformity. Modifications of the procedure with maintenance of the proximal phalangeal bases and K-wire fixation of the metatarsal phalangeal arthroplasty and interphalangeal joints resulted in an improved cosmetic result and simplified postoperative management with an equal functional result and no increase in recurrence of deformity or complications.