title: Surgical treatment of the ankle and foot in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis can be as devastating for the joints of the foot and ankle as for other joints of the lower and upper extremities. Early conservative treatment often is provided by a primary care provider or rheumatologist. Drug and injection therapies are used with footwear modifications, activity restrictions, and orthoses. Surgery often is the last treatment modality available to the patient; it has the potential to relieve pain and improve function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Donald R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Bohay
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Brage
authors.forename: Alastair S E
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Younger
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011182:Postoperative Care