Inflammatory arthropathy of the hindfoot

Inflammatory arthropathy encompasses a range of conditions which have both systemic and joint involvement. The different diseases have a predilection for different joints within the foot and ankle leading to patterns of arthritis different to osteoarthritis. The principles of dealing with inflammatory arthritis involve a multi-disciplinary approach including rheumatologists, physiotherapists and orthotists and the selective use of surgery outlined in this article. The main aim of surgical treatment of the hindfoot in these conditions involves providing a pain free, plantigrade foot and ankle whilst maintaining as much motion as possible.