Tenex
What is Tenex?
Tenex is a minimally-invasive procedure to help patients with chronic pain due to tendinopathy. In the past a surgeon would have to make a large incision in the skin in order to isolate the painful tendon and cut away the damaged tissue. The Tenex system uses ultrasound and a high powered stream of saline to treat the tendon. Only a small incision is needed, and surgery time is much shorter.
Who should have the procedure?
You may be a good candidate if you have pain in one of these areas, and have had the pain for at least six months:
- Lateral elbow
- Medial elbow
- Patellar tendon
- Achilles tendon
- Plantar fascia
What is surgery like?
You will be taken to an operating room just like any other surgery. You will not need to be put to sleep under anesthesia, which makes recovery time on the day of surgery much shorter. A local numbing medication will the given and then a small incision will be made so that the Tenex probe can treat the tendon. Afterwards you will only need a small bandage, no stitches. Total time in the OR is usually less than 30 minutes.
What is recovery like?
Just like more invasive surgery, the tendon is still being “debrided,” meaning damaged tissue is being removed. Your body will need to heal for about six weeks. Depending on the procedure, you may be given a walking boot or sling for comfort.
Does it really work?
Tenex was developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. Many patients find excellent relief with this minimally invasive and low-risk procedure. To read more you can visit http://www.tenexhealth.com
