Outcome After Needle vs Blade Achilles Tenotomy in Clubfoot

Achilles tendon tenotomy is an integral part of the Ponseti method, aimed at correcting residual equinus after correction of the adductus deformity. Tenotomy rates ranging from 63-95% after full cycle of castings have been reported in literature. Percutaneous tenotomy is the gold standard, which can usually be performed in an out-patient setting under local anesthesia using a scalpel blade. A complication rate of 2% (mainly neurovascular injury)has been reported in literature, with accidental sectioning of the peroneal artery being the most common. Development of a pseudo-aneurysm after accidental sectioning of the peroneal artery has been reported in a case report; this delayed further clubfoot treatment.

Percutaneous needle tenotomy has been described by some authors as an alternative technique with very favorable results in a population before walking age. This technique use a large-gauge (16-19 G) needle to percutaneously cut the Achilles tendon. Although bleeding has been reported following this technique with similar rates as for the percutaneous blade technique, no major complications have been reported as yet using the needle technique.

We would like to compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of both techniques, supporting our hypothesis that both techniques are equally safe and have the same success rate.