What is an Achilles Bone Spur:
Pain on the back of the heel if often caused by an overgrowth of bone on the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). This is called a retrocalcaneal exostosis or Achilles bone spur. Retrocalcaneal exostosis problems are often related to chronic tugging of a tight Achilles tendon on the back of the heel. With time, there is the development of spurs on the back of the heel which cause pain with shoe and destroy the attachment of the Achilles tendon. Often, there is both extra bone formed and Achilles tendinosis or scar tissue in the Achilles tendon.
Conservative care of Achilles Heel Spurs:
For conservative care, care, physical therapy and orthotics may be used. The goal is to decrease the tension and stress that the Achilles tendon is placing on the back of the heel and the heel spur area. This decreases the pull of the Achilles tendon on the bone spur area resulting in less pain.
Over time, the spur may get larger and a partial Achilles tendon tear may occur resulting in increased pain and a need for surgery.
Topaz Treatment for Achilles Heel Spurs and Retrocalcaneal Exostosis:
If surgery is necessary, removal of scar tissue with the Topaz procedure may be used to removed the scar tissue and increase blood supply to the tendon. If spur removal is necessary, the procedure may be done arthroscopically to limited the incision and trauma to the area or may need to be done through an open incision is severe cases.
Surgical Treatment of a retrocalcaneal exostosis and Achilles heel spur.
The key to a good outcome with heel spur removal is a solid reattachment of the Achilles and complete removal of scar tissue and bone spurs. This is done by splitting the Achilles tendon in the center, cleaning up all scar tissue, bone spurs and repairing the Achilles tendon to the bone with solid anchors.
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| Picture showing prominent bone over the back of the heel bone (calcaneus) from a side view. |
Picture showing prominent bone over the back of the heel bone (calcaneus) from a back view. |
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| X-Ray showing extra bone formation over the heel bone. |
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| X-Ray showing extra bone formation over the heel bone. |
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| Picture showing a small growth of bone over the heel bone. |
Picture during surgery showing the Achilles tendon opened to show the extra bone over the heel bone. |
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| Picture during surgery showing the extra heel bone removed and the tears and scar tissue in the Achilles cleaned up |
Picture during surgery showing the achilles tendon repaired over the bone with solid Achilles to bone anchors. |
The doctors of University Foot and Ankle Institute have extensive knowledge in the conservative and surgical care of Achilles tendinosis and Achilles heel spur removal related to retrocalcaneal exostosis. We offer a full level of care including physical therapy, bracing and surgical options. Our Podiatrists, surgeons and physical therapists are the very best. Request an appointment with a doctor at our Los Angeles or other Southern California offices.