Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Tenotomy vs Tendo-Achilles Lengthening (TAL) in Neglected Clubfoot Children.

Functional Outcomes of Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Tenotomy vs Tendo-Achilles Lengthening (TAL) in Neglected Clubfoot Children Age 2-5 Years.

Achilles tendon tenotomy is the established worldwide gold standard for correcting idiopathic clubfoot. However, in neglected cases, surgical interventions such as percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy (PAT) and open tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) are common techniques for correcting this deformity. This study aimed at determining the functional outcomes of Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Tenotomy (PAT) vs tendo-Achilles Lengthening (TAL) in the neglected clubfoot children of age 2-5 years.

Despite the increasing use of percutaneous techniques, there is a lack of literature directly comparing the functional outcomes of these two procedures, PAT and TAL. Addressing this knowledge gap is essential to guide pediatric orthopedic surgeons in selecting the most appropriate intervention for the treatment of equinus deformity in neglected clubfoot patients, optimizing functional recovery, minimizing complications, and ultimately improving the quality of care for children with neglected clubfoot.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any gender
• Aged 2-5 years
• diagnosed with clubfoot
• Pirani score 3-6

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with other neuromuscular, chromosomal abnormalities
• myelomeningocele
• Dystrophic dysplasia
• Moebius syndrome
• Amniotic band syndrome
• Metatarsus adductus
• Syndactyly
• Polydactyly
• Previously underwent Achilles tendon tenotomy or tendo-Achilles lengthening