TENEX HEALTH TX® SYSTEM

TENEX HEALTH TX® SYSTEM

Innovative Minimally Invasive Tendon Repair


What is the Tenex procedure?
Tenex was developed at the Mayo Clinic and has been shown to help tendon pain in over 85 percent of patients. The procedure is minimally invasive and performed percutaneously with a micro incision that is so small it does not require stitches. The Tenex Health TX® System uses ultrasonic energy to treat pain caused by many orthopedic injuries, including chronic tendon or plantar fascia pain, through a minimally invasive approach. This technique helps you restore musculoskeletal function without the need for invasive surgery or general anesthesia, may give you quick pain reduction, and should have you back to enjoying the activities you love within a few weeks to a few months. 

When physical therapy, cortisone injections, and/or medication do not work, about 20 percent of patients develop chronic tendon degeneration, called tendinopathy. At this point, patients are often advised that invasive surgery is the only option for their chronic tendon pain. You don’t have to live with chronic tendon pain. Please call 781-591-8191 to schedule a consultation.

What conditions can be treated with Tenex?
  • Tennis elbow / Golfer's elbow
  • Gluteal tendonitis (hip bursitis)
  • Jumper's knee / Patella tendonitis
  • Achilles tendonitis (ankle pain)
  • Plantar fasciitis (foot or heel pain)
  • Calcific deposit in the tendon
  • Calcific rotator cuff tendonitis
How does Tenex work?
  • Precisely targets your damaged tissue. Your doctor will commonly use ultrasound imaging, just like the kind used to see babies in the womb, to visualize and identify the specific location of the damaged tendon tissue, bone spur or calcific deposit. Using the advanced TENEX MicroTip™, the Tenex needle locates damaged tissue thereby preserving the healthy tendon. Unlike major open surgeries, this procedure targets and removes only the damaged tissue, stimulating healing and allowing for a more rapid return to normal activities.
  • Removes the damaged tissue. Once the source of your tendon pain is identified, your doctor numbs the area with a local anesthetic, allowing you to stay awake the entire time. Many people say after the numbing process—which feels like a bee sting—they felt only a slight pressure during the procedure (if they felt anything at all). Your doctor then uses ultrasonic energy designed to safely break down and remove the diseased tissue. The ultrasonic energy is applied with the TENEX MicroTip™, which requires only a small incision to be introduced into the damaged tissue. The energy is effective for the cutting and removal of degenerative tissue and bone, while healthy tendon is left unharmed.
  • Requires no stitches. When the procedure is completed, your doctor applies a small adhesive bandage; no stitches are required. Because you are awake during the procedure (no general anesthesia), many people are able to drive home after the procedure.
  • Can offer rapid pain relief and faster recovery. Recovery is rapid with many people returning to normal activity within six to eight weeks. Because of the minimally invasive approach and targeted removal of tissue, there is minimal downtime and less discomfort compared to open surgery. The speed of your recovery depends on the location and the extent of the damaged tissue being treated.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure is performed in our minor operating room. Please see this detailed guide for more information regarding the day of your procedure.

What are the benefits?
  • Does not disturb surrounding healthy tendon
  • Stimulates a healing response in the tendon
  • Rapid pain relief and rapid recovery in six to eight weeks and return to normal activities (compared to six months or more with an open surgical procedure)
  • Most patients require only a one-time treatment
  • Typically performed with local anesthetic, no general anesthesia is required
  • No stitches (requires only a small, adhesive bandage)
  • Well-tolerated procedure
Are there risks?
As with any procedure, there are risks of bleeding, bruising, and pain after the procedure. There is a very low risk of infection, as the procedure is performed in a sterile manner. There is a very low risk the procedure may not work, 15 percent of people need to have the procedure repeated, or go on to have surgery

What happens after the Tenex procedure?
You will be sent home, it is a day procedure, you do not need to stay over in the hospital. It is generally recommended to rest the procedure area for a few days, use Tylenol, and elevate the procedure area. Pain medication is prescribed only as needed. Then use the area as tolerated, as movement and massage can promote circulation and healing. Then start physical therapy after a two-week follow up appointment with your doctor. This is different depending on the procedure site, please see procedure guide.

The healing cascade is activated after the procedure and takes place over a two month period. Most patients note gradual improvements over six to eight weeks.  

How often will I need to repeat the procedure?
Most patients will need only one procedure. Studies have shown 85-95% of patients have complete relief of their pain with one procedure and the results are generally permanent unless re-injury occurs. In severe tendon or ligament injuries, or severe arthritis, more than one procedure is sometimes needed and is often helpful. 

Is Tenex covered by my insurance?
Yes, Tenex was approved by the FDA in 2012. Our billing department can answer questions regarding the cost with regards to your specific insurance plan. 

Tenex Procedure Protocol
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