Minimally Invasive Haglund’s Deformity (Pump Bump) Surgery

What is minimally invasive haglund’s deformity (Pump Bump) surgery?

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel. When the bony enlargement rubs against shoes, the soft tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated. This often leads to painful bursitis (an inflammation of the bursa).

Causes:

Haglund’s deformity is often called “pump bump” because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the enlargement when walking. In fact, any shoes with a rigid back such as skates, men’s dress shoes, or women’s pumps, can cause this irritation. Haglund’s deformity can also be hereditary. Inherited foot structures that can make one prone to developing this condition include:

• A high-arched foot
• A tight Achilles tendon
• A tendency to walk on the outside of the heel.

Sign & Symptoms:

Haglund’s deformity can occur in one or both feet. The symptoms include:

• A noticeable bump on the back of the heel
• Pain in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel
• Swelling in the back of the heel
• Redness near the inflamed tissue

Diagnosis and Treatment:

After evaluating the patient’s symptoms, the foot and ankle surgeon will examine the foot. In addition, x-rays will be ordered to help the surgeon evaluate the structure of the heel bone.

The treatment for Haglund’s deformity usually focuses on relieving pain and taking pressure off the heel bone. Nonsurgical options include:

• wearing open-back shoes, such as clogs
• taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin
• icing the bump for 20-40 minutes per day to reduce swelling
• ultrasound treatments
• soft tissue massages
• wearing orthotics
• wearing heel pads to reduce pressure from your shoes
• wearing an immobilizing boot or cast

If less invasive methods don’t work, Haglund’s deformity can be treated with surgery. During surgery, your doctor will remove all excess bone from the heel and, if needed, will smooth and file down the bone, reducing the pressure on the bursa and soft tissue. General anesthesia may be necessary to perform this procedure.

Recovery:

You'll be allowed to leave and return home. The majority of patients who undergo the resection of Haglund’s deformity procedure will experience a full recovery within a period of four to six weeks.

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