Management of the deformed rheumatoid forefoot. A comparison of conservative and surgical methods.

In a retrospective survey of 65 patients who had rheumatoid arthritis, the late results of excision arthroplasty of the forefoot were investigated and compared with nonoperative management. Subjective assessment of foot shape and severity of pain as well as objective changes in gait and deformity were considered. Surgery relieved pain initially, but the recurrence rate of metatarsalgia was high. In those who wore surgical shoes, lack of cosmesis was the most important factor in determining poor compliance. The operation was recommended at random, and there was little difference in the outcomes of nonoperative and surgical treatments. A long-term randomized prospective trial is required to establish the criteria for selection of a management regime.