LAUSR

Background In almost one third of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the disease begins with involvement of the small joints of the feet with high risk for developing significant foot deformities with disease progression. Irreversible structural changes occur as a result of synovitis combined with mechanical stress. The pain and the impaired static cause functional disability in these patients and the orthotic correction is often limited and with no evidence for effectiveness. Objectives To assess the foot structure and determine the incidence of foot deformities in patients with RA with different disease duration ranging from 3 months to more than 10 years. Methods Forty two RA patients (32 women and 10 men) underwent assessment of the foot structure under an axial load and while walking on a pressure measuring plate as well as a 3D scan of the feet. Results The most common foot deformities found in the study group included hallux valgus deformity in 73,81%, flattening of the medial longitudinal arch in 64,29% and valgus deformity of the calcaneus in 35,71% of the patients. Conclusion The introduction of the plantography in the clinical practice offers the opportunity for early diagnosis of foot deformities in patients with RA and indicates the necessity of correction through orthotics or surgery. Disclosure of Interests None declared