The surgical therapy of the Haglund’s heel
For most patients with a Haglund’s heel, conservative therapy of the Haglund’s heel can achieve a significant reduction of symptoms or even freedom from symptoms. A frequent problem regarding the success of the therapy is the continuous stress overload at work, which often cannot be reduced and stands in the way of a successful therapy. The conservative therapy of the Haglund heel does not change the anatomical problems of the prominent heel bone.
Therefore, if conservative therapy fails, the indication for surgery must be given. The aim of the surgical therapy is the narrowing of the heel bone body. The posterior bony prominence is completely cut off and smoothed.
The lateral body of the calcaneus is narrowed. At the same time an inflammatory bursa (bursitis) can be removed. Follow-up treatment involves partial weight bearing of the affected leg for several weeks (4-6 weeks). Some authors recommend a temporary plaster treatment in the pointed foot position (1-3 weeks). For a total of 6 weeks, a shoe heel elevation (e.g. 2 cm) should be worn to relax the Achilles tendon and protect the scar.
Complication of the operation
The usual surgical complication possibilities apply:
- Infection, bone infection, wound healing disorder
- Nerve injuries
- Thrombosis/pulmonary embolism
- Achilles tendon injury
- Recurrence/remaining complaints
