Retrocalcaneal spur removal and achilles tendon reattachment for the treatment of haglund deformity

Abstract

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy frequently involves intratendinous calcification of the Achilles tendon insertion and a prominent superolateral calcaneus tuberosity known as a Haglund's deformity. The incidence of insertional Achilles tendinopathy is up to 30%, affecting both recreational and elite athletes. The indications for surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy is appropriate when a patient's symptoms are recalcitrant to nonoperative therapies. Advancements in surgical treatment include the utilization of the midline longitudinal incision, improved soft tissue handling, and minimizing the detachment of the Achilles tendon insertion during surgery. Surgical treatment includes removal of the Haglund's deformity, debridement of the Achilles insertion, and bone to tendon repair utilizing a double-row suture anchor construct. The authors are presenting a unique surgical technique for Haglund's deformity excision, Achilles debridement, and repair without flexor hallucis longus augmentation.