Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy versus open tendo‑Achilles lengthening for neglected clubfoot in young children
Functional Outcomes of Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Tenotomy vs Tendo-Achilles Lengthening (TAL) in Neglected Clubfoot Children Age 2-5 Years.
This project tests whether percutaneous Achilles tenotomy or open tendo‑Achilles lengthening gives better function for children aged 2–5 with neglected clubfoot.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 5 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RESnTEC, Institute of Research Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Trial ID | NCT07561697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational comparison follows children aged 2–5 with neglected clubfoot (Pirani score 3–6) who undergo either percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy (PAT) or open tendo‑Achilles lengthening (TAL) at a single center. Functional outcomes, complication rates, and clinical scores will be recorded during follow-up to compare recovery and ankle function between the two techniques. Patients with neuromuscular or syndromic conditions and those with prior Achilles procedures are excluded to focus on idiopathic neglected cases. The goal is to produce direct outcome data to help pediatric orthopedic surgeons choose the most appropriate procedure for equinus correction in this age group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 2–5 years with neglected idiopathic clubfoot, a Pirani score of 3–6, no neuromuscular or syndromic conditions, and no prior Achilles tenotomy or lengthening are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with neuromuscular or chromosomal disorders, syndromic foot deformities, associated excluded anomalies (e.g., myelomeningocele, Moebius syndrome), or prior Achilles surgery are unlikely to benefit from the comparison results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify the procedure that gives better foot function and fewer complications, helping surgeons improve recovery for children with neglected clubfoot.
How similar studies have performed: Percutaneous tenotomy is widely used and successful for idiopathic clubfoot, but direct comparative data between PAT and open TAL in neglected clubfoot are limited, so this direct comparison is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Karachi, Sindh
- Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre — Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sidratul Zaitoon — Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
- Study coordinator: Pervez Ali, FCPS
- Email: pervez73@hotmail.com
- Phone: +923333001737
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.