Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Percutaneous or Open Tenotomy
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A tenotomy is a procedure used to relieve chronic tendon pain when physical therapy, medications, or injections haven’t worked. There are two main types: percutaneous tenotomy and open tenotomy.
In a percutaneous tenotomy, a small needle and ultrasound are used to safely remove damaged tendon tissue through a tiny incision, promoting healing and pain relief in a minimally invasive way. Open tenotomy requires a larger incision to directly access the tendon when the damage is more severe.
This procedure is commonly used for conditions like tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, or Achilles tendonitis when the tendon hasn’t responded to non-surgical treatments.
Alternatives to tenotomy include physical therapy, bracing, or regenerative medicine options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or bone marrow cells. If the tendon damage is severe, surgical repair may be necessary.
As with any procedure, risks are low but may include infection, temporary nerve irritation, soreness, or, in open tenotomy cases, scarring or tendon stability issues.
Before the procedure, you may need to stop certain medications, avoid food for a set period, and inform your provider about any supplements.
Recovery from percutaneous tenotomy typically takes four to six weeks, while open tenotomy may require two to three months. Ice therapy, rest, and possibly immobilization help recovery, along with a structured rehabilitation program to regain strength and function.
If chronic tendon pain is limiting your daily activities, tenotomy may be an effective treatment option. Our team is here to help guide you toward the best plan for your recovery.
FAQs
How long does recovery take after a tenotomy procedure?
Recovery time can vary depending on the type of tenotomy performed. For a percutaneous tenotomy, recovery typically takes about four to six weeks. An open tenotomy may require a longer recovery period of two to three months. Post-procedure care is important and generally includes ice therapy, rest, and possibly immobilization, along with a structured rehabilitation program to regain strength and function.
What are the alternative treatments to percutaneous or open tenotomy?
Alternative non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, bracing, or regenerative medicine approaches like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or bone marrow cells. In cases where the tendon damage is severe, surgical repair might be necessary as an alternative to tenotomy.
What are the potential risks associated with tenotomy procedures?
As with any medical procedure, tenotomy carries certain risks. These may include infection, temporary nerve irritation, or soreness. Open tenotomy carries additional risks such as scarring or issues with tendon stability due to the larger incision required.
What conditions might be treated with percutaneous or open tenotomy?
Percutaneous or open tenotomy can be effective for treating chronic tendon pain related to conditions such as tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, or Achilles tendonitis. It is typically considered when these conditions have not responded to non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or medications.
What is a tenotomy, and how does it alleviate chronic tendon pain?
A tenotomy is a procedure aimed at alleviating chronic tendon pain by removing damaged tendon tissue. It is particularly useful when other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, have not provided relief. The procedure can be performed using either percutaneous or open methods. Percutaneous tenotomy utilizes a small needle and ultrasound to access the tendon through a tiny incision, promoting healing in a minimally invasive manner. In contrast, open tenotomy involves a larger incision to directly access and treat the tendon.