The retrocalcaneal bursa: anatomy and bursography

The retrocalcaneal bursae, located between the posterior angle of the os calcis and the Achilles tendon, may become inflamed and hypertrophied. There are few objective tests available for the diagnosis of pain syndromes involving the hindfoot and it is often difficult to differentiate Achilles tendinitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis. Retrocalcaneal bursograms can provide further insight into chronic changes in the bursae associated with traumatic and inflammatory conditions. This report describes the anatomy of the retrocalcaneal bursa, the technique of its opacification, and the application of this technique to the diagnosis and treatment of painful hindfoot syndromes. In addition, the anatomy of the retrocalcaneal bursa was investigated further using latex casting techniques. Twelve cadaver limbs were injected with radiopaque latex casting material or renografin into the retrocalcaneal bursae. AP, lateral, and oblique radiographs were then obtained on the specimens. The size, capacity, and configuration of the postmortem bursae were measured and recorded. Subsequently, the cadaver limbs injected with the latex material were cooled and dissection was made of the retrocalcaneal bursae. The latex bursal molds were measured, graphically recorded, and photographed. Fifteen patients with signs and symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis and eight asymptomatic patients were selected for this study and injected with radiopaque material into the bursae. Anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs were then obtained. The size, capacity, and configuration of the retrocalcaneal bursae were measured and recorded. The anatomic characteristics noted from the latex bursal molds correlated well with the findings on bursography. Bursographic findings in patients with retrocalcaneal bursitis can provide insight into the diagnosis and clinical management of this disorder.