Functional outcome of tendoachilles following Ponseti’s tenotomy for treatment of congenital talipes equino varus in children older than two years

Background: Long term results of tenotomy and Ponseti technique are established worldwide. However, functions of Tendoachilles following Ponseti’s tenotomy in these cases i.e. idiopathic/neglected/operated/relapsed clubfeet (after casting or surgical correction) are not established. Tendoachilles regeneration after tenotomy has been confirmed on USG and MRI but only a few studies have done functional evaluation of tendoachilles . This study was done to evaluate the functional outcome of tendoachilles after tenotomy in patients older than two years presenting with CTEV. This study also assessed the influence of age and any previous treatment on tenotomy. Methods: In this study, 42 children (68 clubfeet) were seen in the two year study period. Children between 2-13 years coming to the outpatient department for treatment using the Ponseti’s method were followed during and after completion of treatment for 2 years. Patients were divided into two groups-first according to age and second according to previous treatment. Clinical evaluation of tendoachilles regeneration was done by evaluating the child’s ability to stand on tip of toes on single leg and walking ability . Results: The ability to stand on tip of toes after removal of the final cast was delayed maximum in the previously operated patients (9.5 weeks), lesser in patients who were previously treated by casting (7.3 weeks) and least in neglected patients (7 weeks). It also increased as the age increased (2-5 years age group required 7.4 weeks whereas 11-13 years age group required 16 weeks). Neglected patients started walking earlier (4.6 weeks) as compared to patients treated conservatively (4.8 weeks) or operatively (7.2 weeks). Younger children started walking earlier (age 2-5 years required 4.7 weeks whereas 11-13 years age group required 12 weeks). Conclusions: Functional evaluation of tendoachilles showed that all children who had tenotomy could walk and stand on tip of toes irrespective of age and previous treatment. However, older child and children having history of previous treatment, required longer time for recovery.