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What is Haglund’s Resection?
Haglund’s Resection is a surgical procedure performed to remove a bony prominence at the back of the heel known as Haglund’s deformity. This bony enlargement can irritate the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissues, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. The goal of Haglund’s Resection is to relieve pressure on the Achilles tendon, reduce inflammation, and restore comfortable movement by reshaping or removing the excess bone.
When is Haglund’s Resection Recommended?
This procedure is recommended for patients who:
- Have persistent heel pain at the back of the foot unresponsive to non-surgical treatments
- Experience swelling and redness around the Achilles tendon insertion
- Have difficulty wearing shoes due to rubbing and irritation
- Suffer from Achilles tendonitis or bursitis associated with Haglund’s deformity
- Have failed conservative management, such as physical therapy, shoe modification, or anti-inflammatory medications
How is Haglund’s Resection Performed?
The surgery is performed under regional or general anesthesia. A small incision is made at the back of the heel to expose the bony prominence. The surgeon carefully removes or reshapes the excess bone using specialized instruments, taking care to protect the Achilles tendon. In some cases, a portion of the tendon may be gently detached and reattached after bone removal. The incision is then closed, and the foot is placed in a protective boot or splint.
What to Expect during Recovery after Haglund’s Resection?
After surgery, patients are usually advised to keep weight off the foot for a few weeks, followed by gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength. Most patients return to normal footwear in 6–8 weeks, with full recovery and return to activities in 3–4 months, depending on the extent of surgery.
What are the Risks of Haglund’s Resection?
Potential risks include:
- Infection or wound healing issues
- Nerve irritation or numbness
- Recurrent bone growth or residual pain
- Achilles tendon weakness or stiffness
What are the Benefits of Haglund’s Resection?
The main benefits include:
- Significant reduction in heel pain
- Improved comfort when walking or wearing shoes
- Decreased inflammation and irritation
- Restored Achilles tendon mobility and function
- Long-term relief and improved quality of life
If you wish to be advised on the most appropriate treatment, please call to schedule an appointment or click to request an appointment online.
