Surgery for Haglunds / Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

NewsBot · Mar 30, 2026

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty with adjunctive Topaz radiofrequency microtenotomy for Haglund's deformity: A comparative study
Samuel Sing Li Ong et al
Foot (Edinb). 2026 Mar:66:102228

Aims: Haglund's deformity is a common cause of posterior heel pain which can be treated by endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Adjunctive biologic modalities such as Topaz radiofrequency microtenotomy have been proposed to target intrinsic tendon pathology. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes of endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund's deformity, with or without adjunctive Topaz. We hypothesised that adding Topaz will improve outcomes by addressing the concomitant pathologies of the Haglund's triad.

Methods: This retrospective superiority study was conducted between July 2020 and October 2024 in Singapore. Patients with Haglund's deformity were randomly assigned to undergo endoscopic calcaneoplasty with or without adjunctive Topaz. Outcomes were measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Foot Function Index (FFI) score pre-operatively and post-operatively at their final follow-up.

Results: 63 cases (64 feet in 56 patients) were included. 44 cases underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty only while 19 cases received additional Topaz therapy. In the calcaneoplasty-only group: VAS improved from 7.7 ± 1.8-0.7 ± 1.5, AOFAS from 57.3 ± 13.9-94.4 ± 9.1, and FFI from 55.5 ± 23.5-7.7 ± 14.8. In the combined group: VAS improved from 8.4 ± 1.2-1.4 ± 2.0, AOFAS from 54.2 ± 12.3-92.3 ± 10.6, FFI from 55.3 ± 23.4-12.2 ± 19.1. No significant differences were observed between the groups pre-operatively and post-operatively at their final follow-up (mean duration 33.7 months).

Conclusion: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty effectively relieves pain and restores function in Haglund's deformity. However, the addition of adjunctive Topaz did not confer any additional benefits in the long term at a mean follow-up duration of 33.7 months.
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NewsBot · May 8, 2026

Open vs Endoscopic Surgical Treatment for Haglund Deformity: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression
Alex Guedes et al
Foot Ankle Orthop. 2026 Apr 28;11(2):24730114261435962.

Background: Haglund deformity, characterized by a bony prominence at the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus, is a frequent cause of posterior heel pain and Achilles tendinopathy. When conservative treatment fails, surgical resection is indicated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare clinical and functional outcomes of open and endoscopic surgery in adults with Haglund deformity.

Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines, was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251061639), and included randomized trials or observational cohort studies directly comparing both techniques. The primary outcome was postoperative ankle function (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score or the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire scores); secondary outcomes included operative time, postoperative pain (visual analog scale), and adverse events. Random effects (restricted maximum likelihood) meta-analyses were performed, and risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results: Five cohort studies, totaling 226 patients (127 endoscopic, 99 open), met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed no significant difference in postoperative ankle function between techniques (standardized mean difference = -0.19, 95% CI -0.72 to 0.35; I² = 66.7%). Operative time was shorter in the open surgery group (mean difference = -11.73 minutes, 95% CI -23.03 to -0.42; I² = 94.6%). No significant differences were observed in postoperative pain or adverse events. All studies had a serious overall risk of bias.

Conclusion: The available comparative observational evidence does not demonstrate clear superiority of either technique for the evaluated outcomes. Interpretation of symptom and function outcomes is limited by the measurement properties of the instruments used in the source studies. These findings represent a conservative synthesis of the best comparative evidence currently available and highlight the need for adequately powered randomized clinical trials with standardized outcome measures to more reliably inform surgical decision making.
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NewsBot · Aug 6, 2026

Pain and functional outcomes following open surgical treatment of Haglund syndrome using suture anchor-based Achilles repair: a prospective cohort study
Sagar Jaiswal et al
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2026 Aug 6;36(1):325.

Background: Haglund syndrome is a multifactorial condition characterized by posterosuperior calcaneal prominence, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and varying degrees of Achilles tendon involvement. While both open and endoscopic surgical techniques have been described, the optimal approach for cases with associated tendon pathology remains debated.

Purpose: To evaluate pain and functional outcomes following open surgical management of Haglund syndrome using deformity excision, retrocalcaneal bursa excision, and suture anchor-based Achilles tendon repair.

Study design: Analytical observational Prospective cohort study.

Methods: This study included 30 patients treated between 2022 and 2024 with clinically and radiographically diagnosed Haglund syndrome refractory to conservative management. All patients underwent open surgical excision of the Haglund deformity and retrocalcaneal bursa, along with Achilles tendon debridement and repair (tenodesis) using a double-loaded 5 mm titanium suture anchor. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Score preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up. Pre- and postoperative outcomes were compared using paired statistical analysis.

Results: The mean VAS pain score improved significantly from 6.63 ± 1.33 preoperatively to 1.40 ± 1.04 at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean reduction in VAS pain scores was 5.23 (95% CI 4.66-5.80), demonstrating a large clinical effect (Cohen's d = 3.43). The mean AOFAS score improved from 60.93 ± 13.13 to 83.13 ± 6.98 (p < 0.001). The mean functional improvement was 25.27 points (95% CI 22.22-28.31), also revealing a large effect size (Cohen's d = 3.10).Two patients (6.7%) developed superficial wound complications, which resolved with conservative management. No cases of deep infection, tendon re-rupture, or implant failure were observed.

Conclusion: Open surgical management with suture anchor-based Achilles tendon repair appears to provide significant improvement in pain and function in patients with refractory Haglund syndrome. However, given the absence of a control group and limited objective outcome measures, further comparative studies are required.
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Surgery for Haglunds / Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

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Surgery for Haglunds / Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

haglunds surgery #2

Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 use within Foot and Ankle Surgery

Foot Health and Toe Strength in Older Adults Undergoing Heart Valve Surgery

Sensory Nerves at Risk During Hallux Valgus Surgery

Central Sensitization and Outcomes After Hallux Valgus Surgery

Correcting Post-Hip Replacement Surgery Limb Length Discrepancy with Heel Lifts

Lapidus surgery

Share This Page

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