Arthrodesis for patients with rheumatic arthritis of the ankle and hindfoot. A reasonable option?

Ankle and hindfoot deformities as well as degenerative changes are often found in patients with rheumatological diseases. They often suffer from severe pain and complain of increasing immobility. Corrective procedures with ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis are promising options. This article presents epidemiological data and describes the clinical aspects, diagnostics and treatment options for patients with ankle and hindfoot osteoarthritis. The retrospective results of 56 patients after ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis are presented. After an average follow-up of 52 months the majority of results were good or excellent with relief of pain and reconstruction of the function of the foot. Ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis represents a promising option for patients with severe osteoarthritis and can safeguard patients from increasing immobility.