Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy versus open tendo‑Achilles lengthening for neglected clubfoot in young children
Official title: Functional Outcomes of Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Tenotomy vs Tendo-Achilles Lengthening (TAL) in Neglected Clubfoot Children Age 2-5 Years.
Run by RESnTEC, Institute of Research · NCT07561697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 2 Years to 5 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | RESnTEC, Institute of Research Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07561697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.