Haglund's deformity

Original Editors - Nick Despeghel, Jonathan Hoof, Gertjan Pauwels and Wout Lippens

Top Contributors - Niha Mulla, Leana Louw, Kim Jackson, Wout Lippens, Kalyani Yajnanarayan and Claire Knott

Definition/Description

Haglund’s deformity is a symptomatic osseous prominence of the posterolateral corner of the calcaneus resulting in posterior heel pain and swelling around the insertion of the Achilles tendon. It is associated with retrocalcaneal bursitis. Cavo varus deformities exacerbate this problem.

It was first described by Patrick Haglund as early as 1928. Prior to that other descriptions were used, such as “pump bump” (because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the posterior heel pain and swelling), and "winter heel".

Clinically relevant anatomy

The Achilles tendon originates from the aponeurosis of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. It inserts into the middle third of the posterior surface of the calcaneus. There are two bursae near the Achilles tendon - the deep retrocaneal bursa, and the o superficial bursa. These can be the sites of inflammation processes or can develop bursitis - non-inflammatory, inflammatory suppurative or calcified retrocalcaneal.

Epidemiology/Etiology

Epidemiology

Hugland's Deformity are most common in the female population between the ages of 15 and 35, especially in woman who regularly wear heels. It is also common in runners.

Etiology

Predisposing factors:

• Genetics (hereditary): Patients can have a bone structure that makes them prone to developing Haglund’s deformity.
• High foot arches: With high arches, the heel is tilted backward into the Achilles tendon (due to the insertion on the calcaneus).
  • A bony protrusion develops and the bursa becomes inflamed due to the constant irritation of the back of the heel bone to rub against the tendon.
• Tight Achilles tendon: Pain is caused by compressing the tender and the inflamed bursa.
• Tendency to walk on the outside of the heel: This produces wear on the outer edge of the sole of the shoe which will rotate the heel inward.
  • This will result in a grinding of the calcaneus against the tendon; a bursa will form, which will eventually becomes inflamed and tender.

• Increase in weight
• Injury
• Improper/tight shoes: Does not counter the bump but cause symptoms and which maybe lead to bursitis.

Characteristics/Clinical presentation

Symptoms

• Enlargement of the bone on the back of the heel:
  • Protrusion visible in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the calcaneus
• Pain at back of heel:
  • On palpation, or when tight shoes are worn
• Redness and swelling:
  • The friction between the soft tissue at the back of the heel and the shoe, can cause the bursae can become inflamed.

Symptoms are aggravated by wearing footwear with hard heel edges, as this impinge on the bursa and the Achilles tendon on the calcaneas.

Differential diagnosis

• Achilles tendinitis
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

Diagnostic procedures

• X-rays: To identify bony protrusion
• Ultrasound: Assess pathology of bursa and Achilles tendon
• MRI: Assess pathology of bursa and Achilles tendon

Physical examination

• History
• Evaluation of bursa, tendon and calcaneus
• Functional tests to elicit pain:
  • Tensile (hopping on toes) vs compressive (jumping lunge) vs combination

Medical management

Conservative management

Conservative management of Hugland's deformity used to relieve the associated symptoms, but are not able to resolve the problem. Anti-inflammatory medication are recommended for pain relief, but corticosteriod injections are best avoided, as it can lead to rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Surgery

• Removal of bony protrusion:
  • Possible complication of injury to the Achilles tendon

• Partial removal of bony protrusion:
  • High risk of Achilles tendon avulsion
• Closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (Keck & Kelly technique)

Physiotherapy management

Physiotherapists can play a big role in the conservative management of Hugland's Deformity, especially with the management of the bursitis associated with this deformity.

Prevention

• Education and advice:
  • Educate patient about pathology
  • Modification of aggravating factors to minimize friction between Achilles tendon and bursa:
    • Advice regarding shoes (start with backless shoes with a soft backside)
    • Pads under calaneus reduce irritation when walking
    • Referral to podiatry (for arch support or orthotic devices)

• Advice regarding weight loss (where applicable)
• For runners: Avoid hard surfaces and uphill
• Achilles stretches to prevent stiffness

Management of bursitis/tendinitis

• Management of inflammation:
  • Rest
  • Immobilization
  • Ice
  • Ultrasound

• Eccentric gastrocnemius and soleus exercises
• Achilles stretches

Also see the pages for Achilles tendinosis and retrocacaneal bursitis for more information on the management thereof.

Post-operative management

It is important to take the risks of Achilles tendon rupture and injury after removal of the bony protrusion into consideration when managing these patients post-operatively.

• Oedema management:
  • PRICE
• Mobilization:
  • Mobilization as per surgeon's instruction - mostly put in moon boot or below-knee backslab
  • Protected mobilization with crutches: 3 days to 2 weeks (as per surgeon)
• Lower leg strengthening exercises
• Achilles stretches (contra-indicated if Achilles was injured or if it was detached and re-attached intra-operatively)
• Return to full activity at 6 weeks post-surgery.

Resources

• Information sheet

Clinical bottom line

Hugland's deformity is a bony protrusion on the posterolateral part of the heel. It occurs mostly in young females. Friction with incorrect foot ware or biomechanics cause bursitis, and patients will often complain of pain and swelling at the back of the heel. Conservative management includes management of the inflammation, modification of aggravating factors and an eccentric training programme. Surgical management consists of partial or full removal of the bony protrusion, but risks include injury or rupture of the Achilles tendon. A closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy can also be done.