The onset of intermetatarsal bursitis in patient with rheumatoid arthritis — Case report of surgical treatment

Mono-arthritis and intermetatarsal bursitis according to rheumatoid arthritis aren't aware among general orthopedic surgeon. This report describes a case of surgical treatment of intermetatarsal bursitis. A 50-year-old female presented with three years of metatarsophalangeal joint pain and deformity. MRI showed bursitis and synovial proliferation around the joint. Synovectomy reduced pain and foot deformity. After surgery, the patient was administered methotrexate. There were previous studies reporting intermetatarsal bursitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, few case reports were found in which surgery and pathological examination were performed. Intermetatarsal bursitis is common for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and early appropriate treatment is necessary. •Intermetatarsal bursitis is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.•Early appropriate laboratory test and magnetic resonance imaging help us diagnose.•It is important for general orthopedic surgeons to keep in mind that intermetatarsal lesion is an early symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.