Haglund’s deformity, also known as Mulholland deformity, is a bone and soft tissue abnormality on a person’s heel. It causes discomfort, inflammation, and pain while walking. When conservative treatment proves futile, the only relief for patients is found in a surgical procedure. So, how long does Haglund’s deformity surgery take? We’ll discuss the duration of the surgery as well as the factors that influence its success and flow.
Haglund’s deformity surgery generally lasts approximately 30 minutes. It can be prolonged due to the complexity of the case or if issues arise during the procedure. After the surgery, patients need to be in the clinic for about two hours before they can be allowed to go home.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
During the course of Haglund’s deformity surgery, the surgeon will make an incision on the back of the patient’s heel. The bony bump causing pain and discomfort at the base of the Achilles tendon will be removed.
In the majority of cases, inflamed tissue needs to be removed as well, while the Achilles tendon needs to be repaired. After the wound is stitched, the patient needs to wear a plaster cast and keep the foot downward.
Factors that Influence the Duration of the Surgery
Several factors can influence the duration of the procedure. The complexity of the case and the extent of deformity play a major role, while the selection of the surgical technique and the surgeon’s experience can affect the overall success and duration of the procedure as well.
Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise
It’s common knowledge that an experienced and skilled surgeon who is an expert in podiatry will be able to perform the surgery with confidence and precision. Their familiarity and expertise in various approaches and techniques will reduce the surgery’s duration. If an inexperienced surgeon makes a mistake, the patient could suffer from foot pain years after the procedure, which can be the case with bunion surgery as well.
Complexity of the Individual Case
Unique anatomical considerations and varying degrees of severity will determine the surgery’s course. For patients who only suffer from a bony prominence, a procedure will be straightforward and relatively easy to perform.
However, in some cases, there is a need for additional soft tissue repairs of the retrocalcaneal bursa and the Achilles tendon. This is why it’s important to tailor the procedure accordingly.
Types of Techniques Used
Haglund’s deformity surgery is known as calcaneoplasty. Different methods are used within this procedure to treat the calcaneus bone so that the Achilles tendon is less irritated while walking. These methods include:
- Open calcaneoplasty,
- Zadek surgery or heel bone correction,
- Endoscopic calcaneoplasty,
- Ultrasound-guided calcaneoplasty.
The techniques that are non-open and minimally invasive typically last shorter, and the recovery time is reduced with fewer instances of post-op complications and risks.
What the Surgery Duration Means for Recovery
Observations indicate that shorter surgical durations translate to reduced trauma to the affected tissue and a potentially quicker recovery period. Patients who undergo shorter surgeries have a more straightforward and successful recovery period. Complex cases will experience extended healing times since longer surgeries translate to longer recovery times.
After any type of surgery, post-op shoes need to be worn so the tissue heals and the patient can start exercising and regaining range of motion, just like after a bunion surgery.
Discuss Haglund’s Deformity Surgery With Your Doctor in Miami and Schedule the Procedure
Do you require Haglund’s deformity surgery? Before undergoing any type of procedure, schedule a consultation with our doctor at the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic in Miami. After accurate diagnosis, we can tell you what kind of surgery would be the best option. With our team of experts, you can count on a shorter recovery time since the right approach is always used. Contact us to finally solve your issue.
References
- Luxe Foot Surgery: Haglund Deformity Surgery
- NHS Milton Keynes University Hospital: Haglund’s Syndrome Surgery
- Foot & Ankle Health: WHAT IS A HAGLUND’S DEFORMITY?
