Lupus foot: deforming arthropathy of the feet in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Passively correctable joint deformities of the feet were found in 13 of 14 (82.8%) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with deforming arthropathy of the hands (Jaccoud's type of arthropathy). These included hallux valgus, subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joints and widening of the forefoot. Erosive or cystic changes of bone and cartilage were not seen. In contrast, only 4 of 16 (25%) SLE patients without hand deformities, matched for age and duration of the disease, showed similar joint deformities of the feet. Jaccoud's type of arthropathy in SLE is characterized not only by passively correctable joint deformities of the hands but of the feet as well.