Surgical treatment of Hagelund deformity by lateral approach: Case report

Haglund deformity is a common presentation in patients with chronic posterior heel pain with a long duration of symptoms. In this case report, we have managed this deformity by mini-open approach and, thereby, compared it to other approaches. In this case, we have taken a patient who had chronic posterior heel pain for 1 year and was managed by conservative methods but was not satisfied; therefore, after thorough evaluation including radiographs and blood investigations, the decision of surgical intervention was taken to remove the posterosuperior bump on the calcaneum in by a mini-open lateral approach. He had a current American orthopedic foot and ankle score (AOFAS) score of 65 before the surgery. The AOFAS score improved from 65 points presurgery to 88 points at 1-week follow-up postsurgery and increased to 94 points at 2-week follow-up. The lateral approach to Haglund syndrome is better than other approaches whenever there is sparing of the Achilles tendon in terms of degeneration or split. As this approach is done by mini-open; there is a significant improvement in AOFAS points in a short duration; the method is cost-effective; and the patient is able to walk from the next day. Further, the Achilles tendon does not require splitting or postoperative immobilization.