[Course of bone lesions of leprosic feet towards dislocation of the tarsus and metatarsus].

The authors have observed 135 dislocations of the tarsus in leprosic feet. They recall the mechanism of the lesion and propose a classification. 42 cases were operated on to prevent further deformities. When early treated limited arthrodeses may be beneficial in some cases. In more severe cases rebuilding arthrodesis alone or associated to cancellous bone grafting is indicated. In very severe cases amputation is only indicated because the Wladimiroff-Mickulicz technique as well as grafts lead to failures related to the metatarsophalangeal joints stiffness.