Needle technique for lengthening Achilles tendon in children
Official title: A Needle Technique for Achilles Tendon Lengthening in Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Study on Efficacy, Safety, and Feasibility
Run by Vestre Viken Hospital Trust · NCT06912061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new needle technique to help children with tight Achilles tendons walk better without needing major surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Drammen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06912061 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 5-16 with indications for Achilles tendon lengthening due to toe walking or spasticity.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have previously undergone Achilles tendon lengthening surgery or have other ankle joint contractures may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a minimally invasive needle technique for lengthening the Achilles tendon in pediatric patients with equinus contracture, including those with idiopathic toe walking. The approach involves creating microtenotomies in the tendon using a needle, allowing for gradual stretching without traditional surgical incisions. Up to 50 children aged 5-16 will be included, and their progress will be monitored for one year post-procedure through clinical examinations and ultrasound assessments. The study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of this novel technique compared to conventional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could provide a safer and less invasive option for children with Achilles tendon shortening, improving their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While similar needle techniques have shown promise in other conditions, this specific approach for Achilles tendon lengthening is relatively novel and has limited prior research.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 5-16 years * Consent from parents/guardians * Indication for Achilles tendon lengthening (toe walking, spasticity), both unilateral and bilateral: * Equinus foot with dorsiflexion ≤ 0 degrees with the knee extended and the heel in neutral position. * Symptomatic equinus foot, meaning a foot position causing pain, discomfort, increased fatigue, etc. Exclusion Criteria: * Unwillingness to participate, lack of consent * Previous surgical Achilles tendon lengthening, e.g., for clubfoot * Received BoNT-a injection in the triceps surae within the last 6 months * Contracture in the ankle joint, i.e., equinus position not due to a tight Achilles tendon * Positive Silfverskiöld test and dorsiflexion \> 5 degrees with the knee extended (indicating the need for gastrocnemius recession) * Concurrent other surgery/other procedures on the same lower extremity, including BoNT-a injection
Where it's running
-
Drammen Sykehus, Vestre Viken HF
Drammen, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Per Reidar Høiness, MD Phd
- Email: prhoines@vestreviken.no
- Phone: +47 975 27 911
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.