Bilateral Arthrodesis of the Medial Foot Joints in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often have foot problems. The subtalar and particularly talonavicular joints are affected most frequently. The posterior tibial tendon has an important role in mid-foot stability. In RA patients, chronic inflammation of this tendon or talonavicular joint arthritis can results in posterior tibial tendon rupture. This leads to a collapsed talonavicular joint and forefoot instability, first with talonavicular and later Chopart's joint involvement. This shows as a planovalgus foot, with the forefoot in pronation and the heel in valgus deviation. In a 61-year-old RA patient, ruptures of the posterior tibial tendon due to rheumatoid inflammation occurred bilaterally, with subsequent deviation and instability of the forefoot. Arthrodesis with a medial column screw-Midfoot Fusion Bolt was carried out on the left foot and 4 months later on the right foot. At 7 months after the left and 4 months after the right foot surgery, the patient was free from pain, both feet were stable under loading and the forefoot was firm. The planovalgus deformity was corrected, as well as a valgus deviation of the great toe. Radiography showed a good position of the screws and complete healing of the medial foot joints.