Tendon Sheaths and Bursae Involved by Rheumatoid Disease at the Foot and Ankle

Summary The involvement by rheumatoid disease of bursae and tendon sheaths at the ankle and in the foot has been described from the clinical, radiological and pathological aspects. Over a period of time involvement of most of the tendon sheaths in the region was demonstrated by positive contrast tenosynogaphy. A rheumatoid tenosynovitis was commonly found to be responsible for local symptoms, but complications were of less importance than in the hand. Rheumatoid bursitis was of clinical importance in the foot. Accurate recognition of these lesions is a prerequisite in management.