Achilles Tendinosis

Tenex TX1 Technique for Tendinosis/Fasciitis

This minimally invasive outpatient procedure was developed by physicians at the Mayo Clinic.  The most common areas of tendon injury or pain are: plantar fasciitis involving the plantar fascia in the bottom of the foot; achilles tendonitis involving the achilles tendon in the back of the foot; tennis or golfer’s elbow involving the outside or inside of the elbow, respectively; jumper’s knee involving the patellar tendon in the front of the knee; gluteal tendinosis involving the tendons of the buttock and hip.  Using ultrasound guidance, a special needle the size of a pencil tip is advanced into the tendon through a small nick in the skin. Ultrasonic energy is used to cut and remove the diseased portion of the tendon which is causing the pain without damaging normal tendon. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with only local anesthetic. It usually takes 15-20 mins. Typically, the patient must refrain from heavy lifting or weight bearing activities for at least 2 weeks following the procedure. Patients can usually resume moderate activity in 2-6 weeks and normal activity in 6-8 weeks. Dr. Michael Budler was the first interventional radiologist in the country and the first physician in Nebraska to use the TX1 device for tendon treatment.  Advanced Radiology has the distinction of being the only Official Tenex “Center of Excellence” in Nebraska.

Tenex Health TX™ Quick Reference

The Tenex Health TX System uses ultrasound imaging to guide the TX MicroTip™ to targeted tendon tissue, precisely cutting, breaking down and removing only the damaged soft tissue that causes pain.(Medically known as a Percutaneous Tenotomy or a Percutaneous Fasciotomy)

Tendon pain can be found in the shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle or foot. It is commonly known by the following names:

  • Swimmer’s Shoulder / Shoulder pain – (Shoulder)
  • Tennis / Golfer’s Elbow – (Elbow)
  • Jumper’s / Runner’s Knee – (Knee)
  • Achilles Tendon – (Ankle)
  • Plantar Fasciitis – (Foot)

People who want to take back their lives!

  • Individuals with chronic tendon pain – we call them “Silent Sufferers”
  • Those individuals who have tried all, or a combination of, rest, cortisone injections, medication and physical therapy
  • Patients who do not want to undergo an open surgical procedure with a lengthy recovery period

This procedure is typically performed in an office or surgery center with a local anesthetic used instead of general anesthesia.

  • Quick pain relief
  • Rapid return to normal activities
  • Local anesthetic used instead of general anesthesia
  • No sutures, no stitches (requires only a small, adhesive bandage)
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Quick recovery – typically back to light activity in days and normal activity levels in 4-6 weeks

Most patients are surprised at how little pain there is during the procedure. They have reported some discomfort during the administration of the numbing medicine and then little or no additional pain afterward. Patients may take an over-the-counter pain reliever if there is any swelling following the procedure.

Most insurance payers cover Tenex Health TX™, but we will need to check with your individual plan for coverage specifics. (Office staff: When coding, please use Percutaneous Tenotomy or Percutaneous Fasciotomy)

Tenex Health TX Essentials

Tenex Health TX™, a groundbreaking treatment for the relief of tendon and soft tissue related pain.

For patients who suffer from tendon / soft tissue pain affecting the shoulder, elbow, knee, foot and ankle.

Enables doctors to treat patients earlier in the pain process and with quicker recovery than with other alternatives such as traditional open surgery.

Sophisticated ultrasonic technology designed to specifically break down and extract damaged tendon tissue while stimulating healing response and leaving healthy tissue unaffected.

Performed in an office or outpatient setting in minutes, not hours.

  • Safe—no contraindications
  • Effective—most patients report almost immediate pain relief
  • Minimally invasive—tiny opening requires only a small bandage with no stitches
  • Convenient—1) performed in a doctor’s office or outpatient center in minutes, not hours 2) quicker return to normal activities, normally 2 – 6 weeks

See Tenex TX1 Technique for Tendinosis / Fasciitis for more information.