title: Rheumatoid arthritis of the forefoot.
abstract: Severe and often debilitating involvement of the forefoot is seen frequently in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The combination of destructive synovitis and weight bearing leads to a spectrum of disorders causing pain, deformity, and eventual loss of function. In addition, advances in total knee and total hip arthroplasty have placed added importance on preserving the ability of the foot and ankle to bear weight and allow functional ambulation. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, physical examination, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of the forefoot.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Burra
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Katchis
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery