Effect of Achilles tenotomy on congenital clubfoot-associated calf-muscle atrophy: an ultrasonographic study

Abstract

BackgroundThe Ponseti method for treating congenital clubfoot requires Achilles tenotomy to be performed toward the end of serial casting. However, it remains unclear if Achilles tenotomy has a negative effect on clubfoot-associated calf-muscle atrophy. We therefore investigated this issue by ultrasonographic examination. Materials and methodsWe studied 36 patients with congenital clubfoot who were treated with the Ponseti method and underwent Achilles tenotomy. Only unilateral cases were evaluated to enable comparison of the severity of atrophy and its changes over time between affected and unaffected sides. Tenotomy was performed at a mean age of 10.2weeks after birth (range 8–16weeks). The transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the calf muscles on the unaffected and affected sides were measured ultrasonographically by two examiners. The mean observation period was 27months (range 24–34months). Measurements were performed within 6months after tenotomy, between 7 and 17months after tenotomy, and at the final assessment. Differences between the diameters of the affected and unaffected sides at each time point, and changes in the diameters over time were determined. The data were analyzed by use of one-way ANOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA. ResultsTendon healing and gliding were achieved in all cases. There were significant differences between the diameters of the unaffected and affected sides at all measurement points (transverse p<0.005, anteroposterior p<0.01). The diameters of calf muscles on both sides increased significantly over time (p<0.0001). The patterns of change in diameter were similar on both sides. ConclusionThe transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the calf muscles differed significantly between the affected and unaffected sides after Achilles tenotomy, but there were no significant differences in changes over time. These results suggest that Achilles tenotomy had no negative short-term effects on calf-muscle atrophy associated with clubfoot.