Abstract
Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and Swanson's implant arthroplasty were compared for hallux valgus in rheumatoid arthritis. A newly created ceramic ‘boomerang’ pin was used for the athrodesis.
Relatively good results were obtained by the arthrodesis. On the other hand, recurrence of hallux valgus deformity occurred in 67% of the patients who were treated with Swanson's implant. Many of them had hindfoot deformity, and as it is closely related to the ‘disease subsets’, it seems that they are important for determining the method of surgical treatment.
