[Kates forefoot arthroplasty (author's transl)].

In a series of 93 forefoot arthroplasties (71 of them followed up), the majority of the cases showed good results of Kates' procedure. The most frequent sources of errors are inadequate treatment of the plantar skin and the formation of steps in the line of resection of the mid-tarsal bones. Rheumatic and degenerative forefoot deformities are equally well suited for this procedure. Forefoot deformities combined with pes equinus appear to be less suitable.