[Surgery of the rheumatoid forefoot]

The problem of surgery of rheumatoid forefoot is discussed. Particular attention is paid to pre-operative evaluation of the patient, who, in view of the multi-articular involvement of the disease, must be considered as a whole. The importance of the clinical investigation and the collection of radiological, photographic and instrumental data for correct performance of the operation is stressed. Lelièvre's operation of resection and alignment of the metatarsal heads is described by the Authors, with the aims that are proposed. Lastly attention is drawn to skin problems, due to precarious vascularisation especially at the level of the hallux, which in these rheumatoid patients may cause delays in cicatrisation.