Surgical Treatment of Severe Deformities of the Toes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

The article presents the case of successful surgical treatment of a female patient with severe deformities of the toes arising from rheumatoid arthritis. After clinical and radiological examination the patient was diagnosed with a hallux valgus deviation of the first toe, with 64 degrees of valgus deviation angle, and a valgus-hammered deformity of the II, III, IV toes with a dislocation of the III and IV toes. There was a violation of the stato-dynamic function of the foot, severe pain. Two techniques of joint-preserving surgical treatment were selected. Correction of deformation of the first toe was carried out according to the author’s technology, to correct the deformation of other toes, the Helal technique was used in the author’s modification. The result of the treatment was the achievement of correction of the deformation of the first toe and the elimination of the deformation of the second, third, and fourth toes. The patient is satisfied with the outcome, the appearance of the left foot, its function, the ability to walk without pain and wear ordinary shoes. This clinical case of surgical treatment of severe deformities of the toes with rheumatoid arthritis shows the possibility and importance of joint-saving operations to obtain a good cosmetic and functional result. Performing osteotomy of the metatarsal bones in the proposed modifications allows to correct the hallux valgus deviation of the first toe and deformation of the other toes. As a result of using these technologies, it is possible to maintain metatarsophalangeal joints, eliminate dislocations and subluxations, restore joint function, form an arch of the transverse arch of the foot, relieve pain, thereby improving the anatomical and functional state of the entire foot.