PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate the mid-term clinical results of patients with Haglund's deformity treated with the central tendon-splitting procedure, and to determine the factors related to patient satisfaction. A retrospective evaluation was made of 20 patients treated with the central tendon-splitting procedure for Haglund's deformity by a single surgeon over a 5-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS The patients were evaluated preoperatively and in the postoperative follow-up examinations with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and visual analog pain scale scores (VAS). Satisfaction with the surgical results was assessed at 3, 6, 12 months and the final follow-up visit, and the factors affecting patient satisfaction were examined. RESULTS Evaluation was made of 13 (65%) females and 7 (35%) males with a mean age of 45.8±8.1 years (range, 37-53 years). The AOFAS values were mean 44.4±8.4 preoperatively, and increased statistically significantly to 89.2±3.2 at the final follow-up examination (p<0.001). At 3 months postoperatively, 65% of the patients evaluated the results as good or excellent and this rate was 100% at the final follow-up examination. According to the correlation analysis, the main determinant of patient satisfaction was pain (r:-0.749, p<0.001), and a strong positive relationship was determined between the AOFAS score and satisfaction (r: 0.892, p<0.001). DISCUSSION The results of this study showed that the central tendon-splitting approach can be used in the treatment of Haglund's triad, with low complication rates, and high success and patient satisfaction rates. CONCLUSIONS In addition, the two components underlying patient satisfaction with Haglund's surgery were found to be the elimination of pain and the ability to return to normal daily activities. Key words: Haglund's triad, patient satisfaction, central tendon-splitting approach.

Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology Kayseri Private System Hospital Kayseri Turkey