Haglund's exostosis
Symptoms
Exostosis causes a painful, hard and sometimes red swelling on the back of the heel bone, on the outside of the attachment with the Achilles tendon. Usually the cause is increased pressure from (sports) shoes. A bursa can develop between the bone protrusion and the Achilles tendon. This bursa, in turn, can also become inflamed due to friction.
Diagnosis
The final diagnosis is made by asking specific questions about the symptoms and an examination of the ankle. In addition, an X-ray is taken.
If an X-ray does not provide enough information, an additional NMR scan (MRI) or CT scan can be performed.
Treatment
A Haglund's exostosis can be corrected by keyhole surgery. During keyhole surgery, the bone protrusion can be removed. The bursa between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone is also removed and the Achilles tendon is inspected. Usually the Achilles tendon itself is also affected and can be cleaned during surgery.
If the examinations show that the Achilles tendon is affected too much, open surgery must be performed.
Departments
For more information, please visit the orthopaedics department.