Effectiveness of Needle Tenotomy for Correction of Equinus in Clubfoot

During the COVID-19 surge, due to a lack of operating room availability, we performed Achilles tendon tenotomy in clubfoot patients using a 16/18 gauge needle to avoid delay in their management. The procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. The current retrospective study aims to investigate the effectiveness of needle tenotomy for the correction of equinus in clubfoot at a minimum of one year of follow-up.

Clinical records of all clubfoot patients that underwent needle tenotomy of Achilles tendon from March 2020 onwards with at least one year of follow-up were reviewed. We recorded Pirani scores and the equinus deformity at the initial presentation, after Achilles tendon tenotomy, and at the final follow-up. We also recorded any procedure-related complications following the Achilles tendon tenotomy. We compared dorsiflexion after final cast removal and after one year of follow-up.

A total of 26 clubfeet in 14 patients underwent needle tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and completed one year of follow-up. Ankle dorsiflexion was achievable in all patients and the mean dorsiflexion of 27.4 degrees. The average Pirani score after tenotomy at final cast removal was 0.16, while the mean dorsiflexion at final cast removal was 24.2 degrees (p = .00084). No tenotomy procedure-related complications were noted.

Percutaneous needle tenotomy of the Achilles tendon is a simple, safe, and effective technique for equinus correction in clubfoot. Considering the less invasive nature of the procedure, it can be done as a short procedure on an outpatient basis and has a limited risk of hemorrhage and other wound-related complications.