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Haglund Deformity


Haglund Deformity

Haglund deformity is one of the most common causes of pain in the back of the foot. It is popularly known as Pump Bump on Heel. The reason for this is that the bone protrusion originating from the heel bone grows over time and contacts the Achilles tendon and causes bursitis, inflammation and finally damage to the Achilles tendon. As a result of the damage, there is enough pain to prevent daily and sportive activities.


The treatment of Haglund deformity is primarily started with non-operative methods. If non-surgical methods are not successful, surgery is planned for haglund deformity. Today, haglund deformity surgery can be successfully performed arthroscopically.


Contents:


What is Haglund Deformity?

 

Haglund's deformity is called pump bump on Heel, on the front side of where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone.


Especially when the Haglund bone spur starts to form, the soft tissue in front of the Achilles tendon becomes irritated, especially after wearing tight shoes that are not suitable for the patient's foot structure. The bursa (a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone)here swell and become inflamed, this condition is called bursitis.


Bone protrusion with bursitis, i.e. Haglund's deformity, presses on the Achilles tendon and causes tendinosis, i.e. deterioration of the Achilles tendon.


What Causes Haglund's Deformity?

Genetically different structure of the heel bone (calcaneus) is the most common cause. Also


  • People with pes cavus foot with high foot arch

  • Short and tense Achilles tendon

  • Especially as a result of wearing shoes with a hard part that grips the heel

  • Haglund deformity is more common in runners.


Causes of bone spurs on the heel?

Bone spur on the heel is a medical condition that occurs at the back of the heel bones. In this case, the first condition that comes to mind is Haglund deformity.


Haglund's deformity is often associated with a condition also called heel spur. It is characterized by pain and swelling as a result of the shoe pressing on the heel.



Symptoms of Haglund Deformity

 

  • Bony protrusion on the heel bone that is visible even from the outside in most patients.

  • Pain: Pain in the bone spur and Achilles tendon.

  • Swelling: Swelling where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone


If you would like to contact us about the treatment processes, you can contact us through our contact channels on our contact page.


How is Haglund Deformity Diagnosed?

As a result of the physical examination, the diagnosis of haglund deformity is made by taking foot X-rays. MR imaging examines the Achilles tendon and surrounding soft tissues. MR imaging shows whether there is inflammation in the bursa, , achilles tendinosis, partial or complete tear in the Achilles tendon.



MR image of the Ankle without Haglund Deformity
MR image of the Ankle without Haglund Deformity



MR image of Haglund deformity, partial achilles tendon tear and retrocalcaneal bursitis
MR image of Haglund deformity, partial achilles tendon tear and retrocalcaneal bursitis

Haglund Deformity and Bone Spur X ray




How to Treat Haglund Deformity?


Not all people with Haglund's deformity have pain. The first thing to do in symptomatic cases, that is, in those with painful Haglund deformity, should be a change of shoes. Treatment begins with the abandonment of shoes that squeeze the heel. Even if possible, it would be appropriate to use slippers for a while. Also;


  • Ice application

  • Use of protective silicone pads over the pinched Achilles tendon

  • Stretching and strength exercises program for Achilles tendon

  • The use of insoles that aim to lift only the heel, using a heel cup to lift the heel 1-2cm is a very effective method.

  • Special insoles

  • PRGF injections

If the patient does not benefit from the above methods, surgery is planned.


Haglund Deformity Surgery


First of all, there are 2 types of surgery, open and closed.

  • Open Haglund Surgery

  • Arthroscopic Haglund Surgery 


Open Haglund Deformity Surgery

Open Haglund Deformity Surgery, Haglund bone protrusion and swollen sacs are removed by making a small incision on the side and front of the Achilles tendon where it connects to the heel bone. This surgery is minimally invasive and the integrity of the Achilles tendon is not compromised and the Achilles tendon is not touched at all. After this surgery, there is a rapid return to activities of daily living and sports.


You can click on the link to get information about the Open Haglund surgery performed by Op.Dr. Utku Erdem Özer and watch in detail.


In some cases, the Achilles tendon may be very weakened where it attaches to the bone and may even be almost severed. In such patients, a different surgical technique is required.

The Achilles tendon is partially lifted from its attachment to the heel bone.


The inflamed bursa compressing the Achilles tendon is removed. The bone spur behind the heel bone is removed. Finally, the dead tissues in the Achilles tendon are removed and the Achilles tendon is reattached to the heel bone with special screws with a rope at the end.

 

Arthroscopic Haglund Surgery

Closed Haglund Deformity Surgery, i.e. Arthroscopic Haglund surgery, is the surgery to remove the haglund bone protrusion with the help of a camera. This surgery is performed by making sometimes 2 and sometimes 4, 1 cm incisions on both sides of the Achilles tendon.


The most important feature of closed surgery is the rapid return to sports. Most patients can return to their daily activities after surgery without even using crutches.


You can click on the link to get information about the Closed Haglund Surgery performed by Op. Dr. Utku Erdem Özer and watch in detail. We cannot add directly here due to age restrictions.

 

 

Haglund Deformity Xrays Before And After Surgery


Left: Before Surgery Right: After Surgery

 

 

What is the Recovery Process After Haglund Surgery?

If only the haglund bone spur is removed after Haglund deformity surgery, the return to daily and sports activities is fast.  Patients are also allowed to walk on their feet after Haglund surgery. The incisions in the surgery heal within 7-10 days.

How long it takes for the Achilles tendon-related pain to subside depends on the damage to the Achilles tendon caused by the preoperative Haglund deformity.


You can review our Calcaneal Bursitis article on this subject.


Reviews of Haglund Surgery Surgeons

  • "After the haglund surgery performed by Utku Erdem Özer, I felt that my heel pain was greatly reduced. The doctor's approach and postoperative support was really comforting."

  • "When I applied to Utku Erdem Özer for Bone Protrusion in the Heel, I was informed in detail about the operation process and the recovery afterwards. There was a significant decrease in pain after the surgery."

  • "I had concerns before the Haglund surgery, but thanks to Utku Erdem Özer's knowledge and experience, I felt safe."


Conclusion

Haglund's deformity is a common condition known as a bone spur on the heel and is a common cause of pain in the back of the foot.


If the haglund deformity, which compresses the Achilles tendon and causes inflammation of the Achilles tendon, does not respond to treatment with non-operative methods, surgery should be considered without delay.

It should be noted that as time passes, the degree of tendon damage caused by the haglund bone spur contacting the Achilles tendon is the most important factor affecting recovery after haglund surgery.


For those with Haglund deformity, it is important to determine the correct diagnosis and effective treatment methods. However, with the support of experts like Utku Erdem Özer, it is possible for patients to manage this condition and improve their quality of life.


Thank you for reading our article. You can find more detailed information by returning to the home page at utkuerdemozer.com.

 

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