At times, tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, can be so stubborn that an advanced procedure is needed to overcome this condition. There are two basic types of surgeries used to treat this condition. The first and by far our favorite is a percutaneous tenotomy under ultrasound guidance, commonly referred to as the Tenex procedure. The other is an open release of the tendon which involves cutting the tendon off the bone. Let’s briefly highlight the differences between the two:
Anesthesia
Tenex: Local-lidocaine injection only
Open: General- patient is put to sleep
Incision Size
Tenex: 1/4 inch
Open: 1-2 inches
Trauma To Tissue
Tenex: Minimal
Open: Moderate
Infection Risk
Tenex: Minimal
Open: Mild
Sutures/Stitches
Tenex: None
Open: 1-2 layers required
Recovery Time
Tenex: 2-6 months
Open: 4-12 months
Success Rate
Tenex: 90-95%
Open: 75-90%
Are we biased towards the Tenex? You better believe it! Look at those comparisons above. In our mind, it’s an obvious choice: the Tenex procedure is the better overall option. Why do more physicians not perform the Tenex procedure? Because you are required to have proficiency in musculoskeletal ultrasound to perform this procedure. Not many physicians have taken the time and made the investment in ultrasound-guided procedures, so they tend to revert to the more traditional, sometimes higher-risk and less successful options.
We’ve performed more Tenex procedures in Middle Tennessee than any other physician. So, if you, a loved one or friend has tennis elbow, then come see us!
