Tenex Procedure for Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis and Tennis Elbow

Tendon pain and plantar fasciitis can make once-simple movements difficult and hold you back from your favorite activities. When standard therapies aren’t successful, look to the experts at Henry Ford.

We offer leading therapies, like the Tenex procedure. This minimally invasive technique offers lasting tendon pain relief and a quick recovery. One short procedure is often all that’s necessary to get rid of the pain for good.

About minimally invasive tendonitis and plantar fasciitis care

Plantar fasciitis and tendonitis are injuries affecting thick bands of supportive tissue in the foot and near joints throughout the body. Injuries and everyday activities can cause strain, leading to tiny tears and scar tissue in the tendons. The condition worsens over time, causing swelling that makes it difficult to move.

Sometimes a procedure (debridement) is necessary to remove the damaged tissue and repair the tears. Experts at Henry Ford offer the Tenex procedure, which repairs the tissue using tiny incisions and minimally invasive technology. Focused ultrasound beams break down damaged tissue to offer a level of precision that’s not possible with traditional open surgery.

The Tenex Procedure at Henry Ford: Why choose us?

You receive care from board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists. They are experienced in treating all forms of tendonitis with a level of care that helps more patients achieve lasting relief. Eight out of ten Henry Ford patients have an improvement in their symptoms after a Tenex procedure. This is above the national average.

Highlights of our program include:

• Personalized care: Our orthopedic experts take time to get to know you and your health goals. After performing a thorough evaluation, we confirm your diagnosis and whether a Tenex procedure can help. If minimally invasive debridement is right for you, there’s no rush. You schedule the procedure at a time that works for your busy lifestyle.
• Quick procedure and recovery: The Tenex procedure takes around 20 minutes. If we are treating a foot issue, you start walking right away with support from a surgical boot. All patients can expect a comfortable recovery with no need for prescription pain medication. Most patients return to their regular activities within a few weeks.
• Full range of tendonitis treatments: Henry Ford delivers comprehensive tendon pain care starting with standard treatments, such as shoe inserts. We also offer advanced options, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Find out more about orthopedic services.

Conditions we treat using the Tenex Procedure

We use the Tenex procedure to treat issues affecting the:

• Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone
• Brachialis tendon, which enables you to bend your elbow
• Patellar tendon, which extends from the bottom of the kneecap to the top of the shin bone
• Plantar fascia, which supports the arch of the foot. Read more about plantar fasciitis or watch a video.
• Rotator cuff, which also includes muscles that hold the shoulder in place
  
  

Minimally invasive debridement for tendon pain: what to expect

With the Tenex procedure, you can achieve lasting pain relief after one short procedure. Learn more about the benefits of minimally invasive orthopedic surgery.

If minimally invasive debridement is right for you, here’s what to expect:

• You will be awake for the procedure. We give you medication to numb the area. Most people feel gentle pressure, if anything.
• Surgeons make tiny incisions.
• We identify diseased tissue using an ultrasound wand applied to the surface of your skin. Ultrasound uses soundwaves to produce images of soft tissue such as fascia and tendons.
• A minimally invasive debridement device helps them carry out the procedure. The device vibrates rapidly to destroy scar tissue.
• We remove the scar tissue and close the incision.
• After the procedure is complete, you go home within an hour.

You’ll need a surgical boot, shoe, sling or crutches in the days following surgery. Within two weeks, you see the surgeon to make sure your recovery is on track. Most people return to regular activities within six to twelve weeks. Physical therapy or other follow-up treatments are not necessary.