Tenex
What is Tenex?
Tenex, also known as percutaneous tenotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasonic energy to treat chronic tendon pain by the precise targeting and removal of the scar tissue or damaged tissue without the patient having to undergo conventional surgery.
Anatomy of Tendon
Tendons are fibrous, flexible bands of connective tissue that connect the muscles to the bones. Muscle contractions generate forces that are transferred to the bone through the tendon. This helps in walking, running, and all other body movements. Tendon pain is caused due to repetitive activity which places stress on the tendon. Injuries to the tendon usually take a long time to heal or do not heal properly because they have relatively less blood supply compared to other tissues which result in chronic tendon pain.
Indications for Tenex
Conditions that may benefit from Tenex treatment include:
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Golfer’s elbow
- Runners's knee
- Shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
Preparation for Tenex Procedure
Preparation for the Tenex procedure includes:
- Avoid smoking as it slows down healing.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies, health conditions, and regular medications you take.
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications 1 week before the procedure.
Procedure for Tenex
The Tenex procedure involves the following steps:
- Ultrasound imaging is used to identify the precise location of the injured tendon.
- Your doctor will disinfect the skin over the target site.
- The targeted site will be numbed by local anesthesia.
- Your doctor will then insert a needle that produces ultrasonic energy to breakdown and remove the scar tissue.
- The incision will be then closed with Steri-Strip or an adhesive bandage.
- The whole process may take up to 15-20 minutes.
Post-procedure and Recovery after Tenex
You can expect to be discharged almost immediately after the procedure. Your doctor will advise you on over-the-counter pain medications to relieve post-procedure pain. Full recovery may take up to 4-6 weeks
