A mini-open technique for Achilles tenotomy in infants with clubfoot

Purpose

A tendoachilles lengthening (TAL) is indicated in over 85 % of cases treated with the Ponseti technique. A percutaneous TAL is often performed in the clinic. Reported complications from a TAL performed in the clinic include: bleeding due to injury to the peroneal artery, posterior tibial artery, or lesser saphenous vein; injury to the tibial or sural nerves; and incomplete release. The purpose of the present study is to report the results and complications of a mini-open TAL performed in the operating room (OR).

Methods

The current study is a retrospective review performed among infants with idiopathic clubfoot who underwent a mini-open TAL from 2008 to 2015.

Results

Forty-one patients underwent 63 TALs via a mini-open technique in day surgery. The average Pirani score was 5.8 prior to casting. The average number of casts applied prior to surgery was 5.2. The average age at the time of the TAL was 12.5 weeks (range 5–48 weeks). The average weight at the time of surgery was 7.3 kg (range 3.6–13 kg). No child had a delay in discharge or stayed overnight in the hospital. No anesthesia-related complications or neurovascular injuries occurred. No child needed a repeat TAL due to an incomplete tenotomy.

Conclusions

In conclusion, mini-open TAL performed in the OR is safe and effective in infants with clubfeet. No complications occurred and all patients were discharged on the day of surgery. Direct visualization of the Achilles tendon via a mini-open technique minimizes the risk of neurovascular injury and incomplete tenotomy.

     

Prospective Study of Gross Motor Milestones in Children with Severe Idiopathic Clubfoot Treated by Ponseti Method

BackgroundA prospective study of motor milestones achieved in severe clubfeet treated by Ponseti method and comparison between unilateral and bilateral clubfoot will help us gain further insight of motor milestones in these children.MethodsProspective study of 150 consecutive children with idiopathic clubfoot who were treated by Ponseti method and in whom percutaneous tendoachilles tenotomy was performed. The gross motor milestones recorded were: rolls from back to stomach, sitting without support, standing with assistance, walks with assistance, standing alone, walking alone. This was compared with published regional and World Health Organization (WHO) normal data.Result15 patients were excluded due to non-compliance and recurrence. Children with unilateral clubfoot (80 children) and bilateral clubfoot (55 children) showed a delay of 0.2–2.1 months in various milestones, and this was statistically significant when compared with both normal data. 95% children with unilateral clubfoot had independent ambulation by 17 months and in bilateral ambulation by 17.8 months. There was also a statistically significant difference in unilateral and bilateral clubfeet in all variables except sitting without support and walking with support.ConclusionThere is a delay in achievement in all children with clubfoot, with more delay in bilateral clubfoot as compared to unilateral clubfoot. The probable reasons could be plaster treatment, possible weakness due to tendoachilles tenotomy, use of orthosis or the inherent pathology associated with clubfeet. Parents hence need to be explained about this delay.     

Radiographic evaluation of idiopathic clubfeet undergoing Ponseti treatment

BACKGROUND: The Ponseti method for treatment of idiopathic clubfeet involves the use of serial casts, percutaneous Achilles tenotomy in most cases, and bracing with an abduction orthosis to prevent relapse. Although Ponseti recommended evaluation of the infant clubfoot strictly by palpation, many orthopaedic surgeons still rely on radiographs for decision-making during treatment. The aim of this study was to document with radiographs the effect of percutaneous Achilles tenotomy as described by Ponseti. METHODS: We conducted a study of idiopathic clubfeet treated, at two centers, with the Ponseti method, including percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. Cast treatment was started within three weeks after birth, and radiographs were made before and after the tenotomy. Lateral radiographs with the foot in maximal dorsiflexion at the ankle were made for all patients, and anteroposterior radiographs of the foot were made at one center. The lateral tibiocalcaneal angle, the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle, and the lateral talocalcaneal angle were measured on the radiographs. Foot dorsiflexion at the ankle was evaluated clinically. The results from both centers were evaluated separately and in combination. RESULTS: Lateral dorsiflexion radiographs that showed the foot and ankle were evaluated for eighty-seven clubfeet, and anteroposterior radiographs that showed the foot were evaluated for sixty-five clubfeet. The mean improvement in the lateral tibiocalcaneal angle after the tenotomy was 16.9 degrees . The mean change in the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle was 2.1 degrees , and the mean change in the lateral talocalcaneal angle change was 1.4 degrees . The mean increase in clinically measured dorsiflexion after the tenotomy (in sixty-five feet) was 15.1 degrees . Only the lateral tibiocalcaneal angle and dorsiflexion as measured clinically changed significantly after the Achilles tenotomy (p < 0.05). When the results at each center were analyzed separately, they were found to be nearly identical. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the lateral tibiocalcaneal angle after Achilles tenotomy is essentially the same as the increase in ankle dorsiflexion seen on clinical examination. The anteroposterior and lateral talocalcaneal angles are not influenced significantly by the tenotomy. Radiographs confirmed that the additional dorsiflexion obtained from the percutaneous Achilles tenotomy is true dorsiflexion occurring in the ankle and hindfoot and not in the midfoot. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.     

Correction results of atypical clubfeet managed with modified Ponseti technique: A meta-analysis of 354 feet

Background/purposeAtypical clubfeet are distinct from idiopathic clubfeet. It is resistant to correction by conventional casting methods and often requires a modification of Ponseti's casting technique. Although the initial correction rates are reasonable, relapse and complications are frequent. There is limited literature on the results of modified Ponseti casting of these feet. We conducted this meta-analysis to study a few important aspects of atypical/complex clubfeet treatment by the modified Ponseti technique.Research questionWhat are the results of atypical or complex clubfeet after treatment by the modified Ponseti technique?MethodologyFive electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane Library) were searched for articles reporting on the results of atypical/complex clubfeet treated by the modified Ponseti technique. Details of the number of casts required for correction, rate of percutaneous Achilles tenotomy (PAT), other soft tissue procedures required, complications, and relapse rates were extracted into spreadsheets, and meta-analysis was carried out using OpenMeta Analyst software.ResultsTen studies were included for analysis with a total of 240 patients with 354 clubfeet. The initial correction was achieved in all feet. A pooled analysis of the data showed that a mean of six casts was required for the initial correction. The rate of PAT was 98.3%. The overall complication rate was 16.8%. 7.2% required an additional soft tissue procedure apart from the PAT, and relapse of the deformity was observed in a mean of 19.8% cases.ConclusionModified Ponseti technique is effective in the initial management of atypical/complex clubfeet. Although the PAT rate is slightly higher in the Modified Ponseti technique, the remaining result parameters are comparable with the results of idiopathic clubfoot managed with the Ponseti method of casting. However, these children should be kept under follow-up for a longer duration to find the exact relapse rates.     

Early results of the Ponseti method for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot

AIM: The Ponseti method for the treatment of congenital clubfeet has been propagated due to the sometimes disappointing functional results after surgical treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate our early results and experiences with the Ponseti method. METHOD: Between December 2002 and December 2004 a total of 87 clubfeet in 59 patients were treated using the Ponseti method at our department. Only patients in whom treatment was initiated within the first three weeks of life were included in this study. Rate of successful correction without open release surgery, radiological findings, classification according to Pirani at the time of the last follow up, recurrence rate and duration of treatment were defined as outcome measures for this prospective study. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases in 37 patients met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-three percent of all cases (55 feet) were corrected without open surgery. The mean duration of active treatment was 11.4 weeks (8-20 weeks). The mean tibiocalcaneal angle 3-4 weeks after the percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was 69 degrees, the mean a.-p.-talocalcaneal angle measured 33 degrees and the lateral talocalcaneal angle 36 degrees. A recurrence was seen in one patient with bilateral clubfeet (3.6 %). CONCLUSION: Open release surgery can be averted in most cases of idiopathic clubfoot using the Ponseti method. Scarring of the soft tissue and especially of the joint capsule can thereby be avoided.     

Pseudoaneurysm after Ponseti percutaneous Achilles tenotomy: a case report

The Ponseti method has become a popular technique to treat idiopathic clubfoot. In most cases, a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy is required to correct residual equinus contracture. Bleeding has been reported as a complication of percutaneous tenotomy. We present a case of a baby who developed a pseudoaneurysm after undergoing an appropriate Ponseti percutaneous Achilles tenotomy at the age of 8 weeks. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by color ultrasonography, which showed active flow in the base of the mass. This complication has not been previously described after Ponseti percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. The large pseudoaneurysm mass together with an incomplete correction made bracing with straight last shoes and Denis Browne bar impossible, and the patient developed an immediate relapse of the clubfoot deformity. The relapsed deformity was successfully treated with 4 weeks of additional Ponseti casting, with an emphasis on applying pressure over the pseudoaneurysm by molding the cast. Repeat ultrasonogram at that time showed that the pseudoaneurysm completely resolved, making invasive treatment of the pseudoaneurysm unnecessary. Physicians should be aware that vascular injury could lead to pseudoaneurysm after performing this otherwise simple office procedure.     

Management of idiopathic clubfoot in toddlers by Ponseti's method

The Ponseti method has been reported to have successful results in clubfoot patients less than 6 months of age but the literature on its efficacy in older clubfoot patients still remains sparse. In our study, we prospectively evaluated 55 clubfeet (37 patients) to determine clinically whether the Ponseti method is effective in the management of clubfoot in older children between the age of 12 and 36 months (mean: 24.8 months). All the patients belonged to moderate or severe grades of deformity as per the Pirani scoring. Painless, supple, plantigrade and cosmetically acceptable feet were achieved in 49 clubfeet. Seven patients (seven feet) developed recurrence of adduction, varus and equinus deformity whereas three patients (five feet) developed isolated recurrence of equinus deformity. These seven patients responded to repeat treatment and obtained satisfactory outcome. Four of these seven patients underwent tibialis anterior transfer to third cuneiform for dynamic supination. Three patients, those developed isolated recurrence of equinus deformity, underwent repeat tenotomy. One foot achieved satisfactory amount of dorsiflexion, three feet underwent tendoachilles lengthening whereas another foot underwent posterior release to obtain satisfactory dorsiflexion. Six to 12 numbers of casts (mean: 10) were required to obtain correction of clubfoot deformities. Mean period of immobilization in a cast was 13.9 weeks (10-15 weeks). We found that the Ponseti method is effective in children between the age of 12 and 36 months.     

Results of manipulation of idiopathic clubfoot deformity in Malawi by orthopaedic clinical officers using the Ponseti method: a realistic alternative for the developing world?

This study looks at whether orthopaedic clinical officers, a cadre of clinicians who are not doctors, can effectively manipulate idiopathic clubfeet using the Ponseti technique. One hundred consecutive cases of uncomplicated idiopathic clubfeet in newborn babies were manipulated by orthopaedic clinical officers. Fifty-seven of these were fully corrected to a plantigrade position by Ponseti manipulation alone, and a further 41 were corrected by manipulation followed by a simple percutaneous tenotomy. Orthopaedic clinical officers therefore corrected 98 out of 100 feet; the remaining 2 feet were referred for surgical correction. This shows that the Ponseti method is suitable for use by nonmedical personnel in the developing world to achieve a plantigrade foot.     

Modified Ponseti method of management of neonatal club feet

The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of a new protocol for the management of neonatal clubfeet that can be considered as a modification of the Ponseti method. The modifications consisted of performing the tenotomy of the Achilles tendon prior to the application of the first cast and using only one cast for a period of 3 weeks following tenotomy. We applied the modified method in 50 children (82 club feet) and assessed the degree of deformity using the Pirani and the Dimeglio scoring systems. The minimum follow-up period was 28 months (range: 24-32). The intermediate range follow-up results of this study showed that the modified Ponseti method was associated with a good outcome in 85% of cases of neonatal club feet with a Pirani score of 5 or less and a Dimeglio score of 15 or less. Persistently high Pirani or Dimeglio scores immediately after tenotomy and poor compliance with splintage were predictors of failure of the modified technique.     

Correlation of clinical and ultrasonographic findings after Achilles tenotomy in idiopathic club foot

Achilles tenotomy is a recognised step in the Ponseti technique for the correction of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus in most percutaneous cases. Its use has been limited in part by concern that the subsequent natural history of the tendon is unknown. In a study of 11 tendons in eight infants, eight tendons were shown to be clinically intact and ten had ultrasonographic evidence of continuity three weeks after tenotomy. At six weeks after tenotomy all tendons had both clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of continuity.     

Ponseti method treatment of neglected idiopathic clubfoot:Preliminary results of a multi-center study in Nigeria

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of the Ponseti method for initial correction of neglected clubfoot cases in multiple centers throughout Nigeria.METHODS Patient charts were reviewed through the International Clubfoot Registry for 12 different Ponseti clubfoot treatment centers and 328 clubfeet(225 patients) met inclusion criteria. All patients were treated by the method described by Ponseti including manipulation and casting with percutaneous Achilles tenotomy as needed.RESULTS A painless plantigrade foot was obtained in 255 feet(78%) without the need for extensive soft tissue release and/or bony procedures.CONCLUSION We conclude that the Ponseti method is a safe, effective and low-cost treatment for initial correction of neglected idiopathic clubfoot presenting after walking age. Longterm follow-up will be required to assess outcomes.     

Percutaneous tendo-achilles lengthening with a large-gauge needle: A modification of the ponseti technique for correction of idiopathic clubfoot

The Ponseti technique has become standard for the treatment of congenital idiopathic clubfoot. Treatment includes serial manipulations and casting, accompanied by percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon. In this article, the authors describe a modification in the Achilles tenotomy technique by using a large-gauge hypodermic needle in the outpatient setting.     

Ponseti casting: a new soft option

We have modified the Ponseti casting technique by using a below-knee Softcast instead of an above-knee plaster of Paris cast. Treatment was initiated as soon as possible after birth and the Pirani score was recorded at each visit. Following the manipulation techniques of Ponseti, a below-knee Softcast was applied directly over a stockinette for a snug fit and particular attention was paid to creating a deep groove above the heel to prevent slippage. If necessary, a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy was performed and casting continued until the child was fitted with Denis Browne abduction boots. Between April 2003 and May 2007 we treated 51 consecutive babies with 80 idiopathic club feet with a mean age at presentation of 4.5 weeks (4 days to 62 weeks). The initial mean Pirani score was 5.5 (3 to 6). It took a mean of 8.5 weeks (4 to 53) of weekly manipulation and casting to reach the stage of percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. A total of 20 feet (25%) did not require a tenotomy and for the 60 that did, the mean Pirani score at time of operation was 2.5 (0.5 to 3). Denis Browne boots were applied at a mean of 10 weeks (4 to 56) after presentation. The mean time from tenotomy to boots was 3.3 weeks (2 to 10). We experienced one case of cast-slippage during a period of non-attendance, which prolonged the casting process. One case of prolonged casting required repeated tenotomy, and three feet required repeated tenotomy and casting after relapsing while in Denis Browne boots. We believe the use of a below-knee Softcast in conjunction with Ponseti manipulation techniques shows promising initial results which are comparable to those using above-knee plaster of Paris casts.     

Use of Ponseti's technique in recurrent clubfeet following Kite's method of correction

We report the results of 18 recurrent clubfeet in 13 children after Kite's method of casting treated successfully by Ponseti's technique. The average age was 8.3 months. The average preoperative Pirani's midfoot contracture score was 1.8, hindfoot contracture score was 2.4, and total score was 4.2. All patients had full correction of deformities with plantigrade feet and the scores were reduced to zero at the end of treatment. Three recurrences were found at 6 months follow-up, amounting to 17% failure rate. Two of them necessitated percutaneous tenotomy of the tendoachilles, and one underwent posteromedial soft tissue release with good result at the end of 1 year. Ponseti's method is an effective treatment option in the management of recurrent clubfeet after Kite's method. Although short-term results are promising, larger series with long-term follow-up is warranted.     

Congenital vertical talus: Treatment by reverse ponseti technique

Background:

The surgery for idiopathic congenital vertical talus (CVT) can lead to stiffness, wound complications and under or over correction. There are sporadic literature on costing with mixed results. We describe our early experience of reverse ponseti technique.

Materials and methods:

Four cases (four feet) of idiopathic congenital vertical talus (CVT) which presented one month after birth were treated by serial manipulation and casting, tendoachilles tenotomy and percutaneous pinning of talonavicular joint. An average of 5.2 (range - four to six) plaster cast applications were required to correct the forefoot deformity. Once the talus and navicular were aligned based on the radiographic talus-first metatarsal axis, percutaneous fixation of the talo-navicular joint with a Kirschner wire, and percutaneous tendoachilles tenotomy under anesthesia was performed following which a cast was applied with the foot in slight dorsiflexion.

Results:

The mean follow-up period for the four cases was 8.5 months (6-12 months). At the end of the treatment all feet were supple and plantigrade but still using ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The mean talocalcaneal angle was 70 degrees before treatment and this reduced to 31 degrees after casting. The mean talar axis first metatasal base angle (TAMBA) angle was 60° before casting and this improved to 10.5°.

Conclusion:

Although our follow-up period is small, we would recommend early casting for idiopathic CVT along the same lines as the Ponseti technique for clubfoot except that the forces applied are in reverse direction. This early casting method can prevent extensive surgery in the future, however, a close vigil is required to detect any early relapse.     

A comparison of ankle foot orthoses with foot abduction orthoses to prevent recurrence following correction of idiopathic clubfoot by the Ponseti method

The Ponseti method of clubfoot management requires a period of bracing in order to maintain correction. This study compared the effectiveness of ankle foot orthoses and Denis Browne boots and bar in the prevention of recurrence following successful initial management. Between 2001 and 2003, 45 children (69 feet) with idiopathic clubfeet achieved full correction following Ponseti casting with or without a tenotomy, of whom 17 (30 clubfeet) were braced with an ankle foot orthosis while 28 (39 clubfeet) were prescribed with Denis Browne boots and bar. The groups were similar in age, gender, number of casts and tenotomy rates. The mean follow-up was 60 months (50 to 72) in the ankle foot orthosis group and 47 months (36 to 60) in the group with boots and bars. Recurrence requiring additional treatment occurred in 25 of 30 (83%) of the ankle foot orthosis group and 12 of 39 (31%) of the group with boots and bars (p < 0.001). Additional procedures included repeat tenotomy (four in the ankle foot orthosis group and five in the group treated with boot and bars), limited posterior release with or without tendon transfers (seven in the ankle foot orthosis group and two in the group treated with boots and bars), posteromedial releases (nine in the orthosis group) and midfoot osteotomies (five in the orthosis group, p < 0.001). Following initial correction by the Ponseti method, children managed with boots and bars had far fewer recurrences than those managed with ankle foot orthoses. Foot abduction appears to be important to maintain correction of clubfeet treated by the Ponseti method, and this cannot be achieved with an ankle foot orthosis.     

Initial severity rating of idiopathic clubfeet is an outcome predictor at age two years

This study was performed to determine if rating the severity of clubfeet before Ponseti treatment was predictive of the outcomes at age two years. Four hundred and seventy-nine idiopathic clubfeet (323 patients) were numerically rated for severity using Dimeglio classification. Eighty-six feet rated moderate, 305 feet rated severe, and 88 feet rated very severe. Outcomes were classified as Good (plantigrade foot with or without a tendoachilles lengthening), Fair (limited surgery), or Poor (posteromedial release). Significant correlation existed between initial severity of the foot and outcomes, with moderate better than severe and very severe, and severe better than very severe. Initial numerical severity rating strongly correlated with the probability of a good outcome (P<0.0001). Evaluating the severity of clubfeet before Ponseti treatment provides prognostic information for parents.     

Ultrasonographic observation of the healing process in the gap after a Ponseti-type Achilles tenotomy for idiopathic congenital clubfoot at two-year follow-up

Background

Ponseti management usually requires Achilles tenotomy during the final stage of serial casting. However, we lack a good understanding of the sequential tendon healing process after tenotomy in the Ponseti bracing protocol. The purpose of this study was to clarify the ultrasonographic process of tendon healing in the gap for up to two years after Ponseti-type Achilles tenotomy in patients with clubfeet.

Methods

We conducted an ultrasonographic study to clarify the sequential changes in gap healing for up to two years after tenotomy. The subjects were 23 patients with 33 clubfeet. Achilles tenotomy was performed at mean 10.4 (8–16) weeks after birth. Dynamic and static ultrasonography was performed before tenotomy and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks as well as at 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after tenotomy.

Results

Continuity and gliding were noted within four weeks. The united portion continued to thicken for up to three months after tenotomy. Starting from the fourth month, the healed portion began to lose its thickness, and this process continued into the sixth month. At one year, the thickness of the tendon did not differ much from that of the tendon on the opposing foot. In cases where patients had clubfoot on both feet and underwent simultaneous tenotomies, measurement of the tendons could not be accurately compared. At two years after tenotomy, slight irregularity of the internal structure persisted when compared with the unaffected foot. In addition, clinical and X-ray findings were evaluated simultaneously, and no recurrence was confirmed.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, our results are the first to describe the process of gap healing in the tendon after tenotomy up to and beyond two years, as recommended in the Ponseti bracing protocol. Level of evidence IV.     

先天性马蹄内翻足经皮跟腱切断手术时机的选择

目的应用Ponseti方法早期治疗先天性马蹄内翻足（先天性马蹄内翻足）,探讨经皮跟腱切断手术时机的选择。方法60例（91足）先天性马蹄内翻足患儿,随机分为A、B两组,每组30例,治疗初评分≥4分（僵硬型）。A组患足矫形外展至70°、背屈〈15°、同时HS〉1、MS〈1和距骨被覆盖;B组患足矫形至前足内收纠正但无法背屈,同时HS〉1、MS≤1,行跟腱切断术;以Pirani评分标准比较两组治疗结果。结果患儿均得到随访,时间6～30（15±5）个月。A、B两组手术前石膏矫形次数分别为（5.1±0.91）次、（2.42±0.56）次（P〈0.05）,治疗时间分别为（36.8±4.98）d、（19.3±5.09）d（P〈0.01）,差异有统计学意义。两组跟腱均获得愈合,跖屈有力,术后患足背屈活动度差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论在Ponseti方法矫正僵硬型马蹄足过程中,畸形愈严重跟腱挛缩愈严重,早期行经皮跟腱切断手术可明显减少石膏矫形次数、缩短疗程,不影响疗效。