DOI: 10.22391/fppc.1785899 ISSN: 2458-8865

Diagnostic accuracy of the BRINK angle in Haglund’s deformity: a comparative radiographic study

İpek Tamsel, İlhan Hekimsoy
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Introduction: Haglund’s deformity is a condition characterized by a bony prominence at the posterosuperior part of the calcaneus, often leading to posterior heel pain. The current radiographic evaluation methods (e.g., Fowler-Philip angle, Chauveaux-Liet angle, Ruch inclination, calcaneal pitch angle) have limited specificity and variable interobserver reliability. This study aims to perform a comparative analysis of affected patients and a healthy control group using BRINK (Botchu, Reilly, Iyengar, Nischal, and Kakarala) angle measurement for diagnosing Haglund's deformity, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of this method.Methods: This retrospective study analysed lateral foot radiographs of 202 patients archived in our institution’s Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) between 2024 and 2025. Patients were divided into two groups: the Haglund’s deformity group (n=47) and a normal control group (n=155). In all patients, the BRINKangle was measured on lateral radiographs, and the presence of hyperostosis at the Achilles tendon insertion site was evaluated.Results: The BRINK angle was found to be significantly higher in the Haglund group (p=0.001). Additionally, the incidence of posterior calcaneal hyperostosis was significantly greater in the Haglund group compared to the control group (p=0.003).Conclusions: Compared to traditional angular measurements, the BRINK angle provides a more practical and easily applicable method, showing diagnostic utility in the evaluation of Haglund’s deformity.

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