MRI in patients with Haglund's deformity and its influence on therapy

Heel pain is one of the common reasons why patients consult orthopaedic surgeons in an outpatient setting. The dorsal heel pain is often caused by a Haglund's deformity which is an exostosis of the posterior superior calcaneus. It often leads to Haglund's syndrome with calcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendinosis. This study aims to investigate the roll of MRI in diagnosis of Haglund's syndrome and its influence on therapy.

We retrospectively analysed data of 45 patients which clinically and radiologically confirmed Haglund's deformity. Patients were divided into two groups that either did not receive MRI (MRI_0) or received MRI (MRI_1). To evaluate the significance, Fisher´s test was used. A statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05.

The average age was 57.0 years. There was no significant difference in therapy comparing the groups MRI_0 and MRI_1. Haglund's syndrome was detected in 86.7% of all patients with Haglund's deformity.

MRI does not influence the therapy of patients with Haglund's deformity. Therefore, the resources of this cost-intensive and limited type of investigation should be used elsewhere. In cases of atypical heel pain, the MRI might be useful.