Clinical and Sonographic Evaluation of Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Tenotomy in Idiopathic Clubfoot: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV), commonly referred to as Clubfoot, is a complex musculoskeletal deformity affecting infants. The Ponseti technique, a gold standard approach, has emerged as an effective treatment. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and sonographic outcomes of percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy in children with idiopathic clubfoot who underwent the Ponseti procedure. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at the JIPMER Department of Orthopaedics, involving 41 feet with residual equinus deformity following Ponseti treatment. Infants with idiopathic clubfoot were included. Clinical and sonographic evaluations were performed, percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy was performed. Parameters were measured, Data were statistically analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, paired t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Results: 29 infants (41 feet), primarily boys (89.7%) were studied. Following percutaneous tenotomy, clinical improvement was observed, with a mean increase in dorsiflexion of 20-25 degrees. Sonographic parameters showed significant improvement in tibio calcaneal distance, talocalcaneal divergence, and metaphyseal-talocalcaneal angle post-tenotomy (p<0.05). Positive correlations were found between clinical and sonographic improvements. Conclusion: Clinical improvement of hindfoot deformity following percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy in idiopathic clubfeet correlates with the sonological improvement of talo calcaneal, tibio calcaneal angles and tibio calcaneal distance.