Posterior tibial tendon and subtalar joint complex in rheumatoid arthritis: magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective: To observe by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the pathologic changes in the posterior tibial tendon (PTT), subtalar joint complex (STJC), and sinus tarsi in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and if possible to determine their involvement in the course of the disease.

Methods: Sixty-seven rheumatoid feet with mid and hindfoot pain underwent MRI with gadolinium injection. Localized enhancement and anatomic lesions were assessed in the 3 sites.

Rheumatoid flat foot and deformity of the first ray.

Objective: To study the relationship between flat foot and forefoot deformities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in order to improve understanding of the progression of deformity and thus provide more appropriate treatment.

Methods: Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing radiographs were obtained of 308 feet of patients with RA and 202 feet of patients with neck pain (control feet).

Results: In women with RA, we observed with disease duration an increased frequency of flat foot that was correlated with first ray deformity (chiefly metatarsus primus adductus) and severe stages of disability.