title: Outcomes following pantalar arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report a consecutive series of pantalar arthrodeses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, using a single laterally based incision and autologous bone graft.
  
  
  METHODS
  All operations were performed by a single surgeon and were assessed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The levels of patient satisfaction, functional improvement and pain scores of the foot following surgery were recorded along with radiological parameters. Seventeen patients (two male and 15 female) underwent 18 hindfoot surgeries and were assessed preoperatively using the SF-12 General Health survey questionnaire, Manchester-Oxford Foot Survey and pain scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found a significant improvement in pain levels and SF-12 scores. In addition the patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the outcome of surgery and improvement in function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show that pantalar arthrodesis is a very effective operative treatment for severe ankle and concomitant hindfoot disease. The treatment period is prolonged and patients should be counselled appropriately.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV, Retrospective Case Series
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McKinley
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shortt
authors.forename: Calum
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Arthur
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gunner
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: MacDonald
authors.forename: Steffen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Breusch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome