DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF TARSA L ENVOLVEMENT IN RHEUMATOIDFOOT DEFORMITIES

A survey of diagnosis and treatment of tarsal envolvement in rheumatoi d foot deformities is presented. Localisation of arthritis in differen t regions of the tarsal joint complex can be assessed by sonographic e xamination and bone scan. Radiologic evaluation of deformity in three spatial planes should be undertaken in a standardized manner under wei ghtbearing conditions. Different forms of complete or partial tarsal f usion are suited in order to realign and stabilize the talocalcaneo-na vicular complex and thereby restore painfree function of the foot. Dec ision-making requires basic knowledge of tarsal biomechanics.