title: The complications encountered with the rheumatoid surgical foot and ankle.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, degenerative, systemic disease that leads to the destruction of articular cartilage of the joints. Complications, including infection, delays in wound healing, malunion, nonunion, implant failure, and degeneration of adjacent joints soon after primary fusion, have been described in the literature and are generally accepted as commonplace in reconstructive surgeries of the foot and ankle. The combined efforts of the surgeon and supporting physicians to maintain optimal health for the patient, along with the principles discussed in this article, can lead to superior outcomes with fewer complications in the postoperative course.
authors.affiliation: Department of Podiatric Surgery (East Orlando Campus), Florida Hospital East Orlando, 7975 Lake Underhill Road, Suite 210, Orlando, FL 32822, USA. Docreeves1@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Christopher L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Reeves
authors.forename: Adam J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Peaden
authors.forename: Amber M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shane
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000009:adverse effects; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents