Complications in surgery of the foot and ankle in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Complications occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who require surgical correction of painful deformities of the foot and ankle. These patients probably are more likely to have complications develop because they: (1) have a systemic disease; (2) use medications that may lead to complications; (3) require multiple operations; and (4) usually have advanced deformities resulting in extensive complicated operations. Despite these difficulties, results of surgical procedures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis remain uniformly excellent. Most complications can be treated successfully, and the overall failure of selected operations is low. However, surgical reconstruction of foot and ankle deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis must be meticulously planned and done. These operations are most successful in eliminating pain and in correcting severe deformities.