Ankle Muscle Strength and Gait Function After Dorsal Closing Wedge Calcaneal Osteotomy for Haglund Exostosis–Related Heel Pain

Abstract

Background: Haglund exostosis–related heel pain may be surgically treated with dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (DCWCO). Recent reports on this technique show good clinical and self-reported outcomes. However, uncertainty about functional consequences related to ankle muscle strength and gait function due to a shortened Achilles tendon lever arm exists. Methods: Fifteen patients (15 feet) with Haglund exostosis–related heel pain were surgically treated with DCWCO and evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. Isometric plantar flexion and dorsiflexion strength was quantified for both the involved and the uninvolved limb. Gait analysis was performed at a self-selected walking speed using a 3D motion capture system including force plates. Self-reported outcomes (Foot Function Index and Global Treatment Outcome) were also assessed. Results: Before surgery, as well as after surgery, plantar flexion strength of the involved limb was significantly lower compared to the uninvolved limb while dorsiflexion strength did not differ between limbs at both time points. Step length and time, ankle flexion angles, power generation, and propulsive impulses during gait did not differ between limbs both before and after surgery. Propulsive impulse and step length of the involved limb increased from pre- to postsurgery with an effect size of 1.04 and 0.48, respectively, revealing a general improvement in gait dynamics. Total Foot Function Index improved by 48% after surgery, and 80% of patients rated their surgery as “helped” or “helped a lot” (Global Treatment Outcome). Conclusion: In this relatively small cohort, we found that patients treated for Haglund exostosis–related heel pain with DCWCO surgery had minor interlimb differences in gait kinematics and kinetics and generally improved gait dynamics and self-reported function at 1-year follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level II, observational prospective cohort study.