Prevalence of Haglund deformity in a hospital-based sample in Turkey

Haglund deformity is defined as an abnormal bone protrusion in the posterosuperior region of the calcaneus. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Haglund deformity in Turkish society by a hospital-based sample. This cross sectional retrospective study was conducted on lateral radiographic images of ankle recorded in picture archiving and communication system archive system of 420 healthy individuals consisting of 210 male and 210 female between the ages of 18 to 65. In the study, Fowler-Philip angle, Heneghan-Pavlov parallel pitch lines tests and the X/Y ratio defined by Tourne et al were performed bilaterally to determine Haglund deformity. According to the Heneghan-Pavlov parallel pitch lines test, the prevalence of Haglund deformity was found to be 35.7%. The average Fowler-Philip angle was recorded as 64.2 ± 4.7 degrees on the right and 63.9 ± 4.7 degrees on the left. Additionally, a pathological angle value above 74 degrees was recorded in only 6 individuals (1.4%). According to the X/Y ratio, the prevalence of Haglund deformity was found to be 31.9%. We believe that the results of the study will constitute reference values of the Turkish society and will also help clinicians in planning possible surgical interventions.