Tenex Procedure

The Tenex procedure is a trademarked, non-surgical procedure that helps patients who are suffering from chronic tendon pain by nonsurgically removing damaged scar tissue on the tendons. This procedure, developed by Tenex Health, is particularly effective on the tendons of the elbow, shoulder, knee and ankle. It is often used to treat tennis and golf elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fascia.

Tendon pain is typically caused by continued trauma or over usage of joints and muscles. The Tenex procedure is known in medical terminology as focused aspiration of scar tissue, percutaneous (via needle puncture) tenotomy, and percutaneous fasciotomy (easing tension by removing scar tissue that causes pain).

Ideal candidates for the Tenex procedure are those who have sought prior treatment, including steroid injections, rest, immobilization, and rehabilitation, with little to no pain relief. The Tenex procedure offers patients a non-surgical option that is faster than traditional surgeries, creates a smaller incision resulting in less dermal scarring, and allows for a quicker and less painful recovery.

Tenex was approved for use by the FDA in 2012. There are many published studies on its safety and effectiveness with more research ongoing.

Tenex at-a-Glance

The Tenex procedure is a proprietary method of treating chronic tendon pain that involves removing scar tissue that causes pain as a result of overuse or an active lifestyle

Called Tenex Health TX, the procedure uses a small instrument that is inserted through the skin into the damaged tendon and vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to break up and remove damaged scar tissue

Tenex procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and generally take less than 30 minutes

Benefits of the Tenex procedure include fast pain relief, fast return to normal activity and no risks from surgery

Thinking of having the Tenex procedure?

How is the Tenex procedure performed

Before the Tenex procedure patients are typically given a local anesthetic that is used to anesthetize the affected area. Ultrasound imaging identifies and precisely locates the patient’s damaged scar tissue within the tendon

A small incision is made along the affected area. The Tenex Tissue Removal System utilizes a small instrument with a needle-like point (the TX MicroTip) that is inserted into the area and high-frequency vibrations break up the damaged scar tissue

The instrument uses ultrasound frequency that is designed not to damage the surrounding healthy tissue. The Tenex system then gently removes the broken up scar tissue. Instead of applying stitches, the incision is closed using an adhesive bandage and the procedure is complete

After the procedure, many patients are able to drive home the same day. Patients generally experience a recovery period of four to six weeks. Most patients say they feel little to no pain during the Tenex treatments