Resection of the forefoot in rheumatoid arthritis

A long-term review of 272 resections of the metatarsal heads and bases of the phalanges in 128 patients with severe rheumatoid feet is presented. The longest follow-up is 11 years and the average follow-up was 4.7 years. Recurrent deformity and callus formation was usually due to a long metatarsal shaft. The operation, when properly performed, can correct severe deformities of the forefoot with a high percentage of satisfactory results.