Functional outcome of surgical excision in Haglund deformity: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Haglund deformity is characterized by a bony enlargement at the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus, often associated with retrocalcaneal bursitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy. It leads to posterior heel pain that significantly limits ambulation. When conservative measures fail, surgical excision of the deformity is indicated. The present prospective study evaluates the functional and pain outcomes after open surgical excision of Haglund deformity. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with symptomatic Haglund deformity, unresponsive to at least six months of conservative therapy, were included. All underwent open excision of the posterosuperior calcaneal prominence via the central Achilles tendon splitting approach. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, both preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Results: Thirty patients (18 males and 12 females; mean age 42.6 years) were followed up for 6 months. The mean VAS score improved from 7.8±0.9 preoperatively to 1.6±0.7 postoperatively (p