Arthritis

Abstract

This chapter is concerned primarily with the conventional radiographic appearances of arthritis, illustrating the various common and less common patterns of disease. It is divided into two sections. In the first part a general approach to the diagnosis of joint disease is described and in the second follows abrief description of the most pertinent features of those arthritides that affect the foot and ankle. It should be remembered, however, that imaging studies may be performed for a variety of reasons other than making or establishing a diagnosis (Table 15.1). Some of these require adaptations to the usual radiographic technique. For example, weight-bearing standing views in both the dorsoplantar and lateral projections are necessary to adequately demonstrate structural changes of the midfoot and hindfoot. Such changes include hindfoot varus or valgus abnormalities and the evaluation of patients for surgical correction of deforming foot diseases such as hallux valgus or congenital equinovarus.