Percutaneous Adductor Tenotomy
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
The adductor muscles can be found on the inside of the thigh. Their main function is to pull the leg in, across the midline of your body. In children with cerebral palsy these are the muscles that mainly cause "scissoring" when they attempt to walk. If these muscles are tight it can also make it difficult or for you to open your child’s legs when you are changing them or for hygiene purposes.
Definition
Percutaneous indicates that the skin will not need to be cut open in order to perform the procedure. A needle is used to lengthen the tendon to release the adductor muscle and gain more range of movement into abduction. That is it will be easier or possible to open the legs outwards.
Weight Bearing
No restricstions.
Plasters
Usually not required.
Orthoses
A hip abduction brace may be used. Braces are usually to be worn continuously for 4 months, only to be removed for standing, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and washing.
For the next 4-6 months after surgery, the brace is usually worn at night time only.
Special Instructions
Be aware of how you place/ position your child at all times. Ensure one leg does not seem to be out further than the other. Always try to maintain symmetry.
Tummy time or lying on your stomach will help stretch hip flexor muscles and provide another position to avoid skin pressure problems.
Equipment
If your child has a wheelchair or a standing frame, it may need to be adjusted to accommodate the degree of abduction in brace and to maintain this position in the long term. Speak to an Occupational Therapist.
© The Children's Hospital at Westmead - 1997-2006
This document was published on Wednesday,
28 June 2006.
| 
