The Tenex procedure is an innovative, minimally invasive technique developed specifically for the treatment of chronic tendon pain. Unlike more extensive surgery, the Tenex procedure involves only a small 2 mm incision. Ultrasound is used to pinpoint the exact location of the damaged tissue within the tendon. A special Tenex probe is then inserted to precisely remove the damaged tissue, thereby relieving pain and promoting healing.
Current data show that Tenex Health TX® is now one of the established percutaneous procedures for the treatment of chronic tendon conditions and has already been used more than 150,000 times worldwide. Studies confirm that the targeted application of high-frequency energy removes the degenerated tissue in the tendon using precise micro-vibrations, without damaging the surrounding tissue.
For many patients suffering from persistent tendon problems, the procedure provides significant relief, as it accelerates healing and often allows a return to normal activities after a short time.
Tenex treatment can be used for various types of chronic tendon pain that have not responded to other treatments such as shockwave therapy, PRP injections, magnetic field therapy and physiotherapy. Typical areas of application include:
- Calcific tendinitis: When calcium deposits have formed in the shoulder tendon and are causing severe pain.
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow: For chronic pain in the elbow caused by overuse of the tendons.
- Patellar tip syndrome: When the tendon of the kneecap is irritated and inflamed due to increased strain from sport.
- Achilles tendinitis: When the Achilles tendon is chronically inflamed and causes pain when walking.
- Trochanteric tendinopathy: When the tendon attachments at the hip are irritated and inflamed, causing pain when walking, standing or lying on your side.
- Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs: When the plantar fascia at the heel is irritated and causes pain with every step or in the morning upon waking.
Ultrasound-guided Tenex Health TX® therapy: Minimally invasive removal of damaged tendon tissue to relieve chronic symptoms.
The Tenex procedure is usually carried out as an overnight inpatient procedure or on an outpatient basis. Following a thorough examination, analgosedation and local anesthesia, a small puncture incision is made in the skin. The special Tenex needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance. This highly specialized probe incorporates an ultrasound transducer that causes the water column in front of the needle tip to vibrate at 25 Hz. This precisely breaks down the degenerated tendon tissue, which is then immediately aspirated via the water flushing system integrated into the needle. Under ultrasound guidance, this enables the gentle removal of the damaged tissue and promotes the healing process. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
The Tenex method is regarded as a revolutionary treatment for stubborn tendon disorders, as the procedure combines percutaneous precision with a very gentle technique. The interventional probe works specifically only in the affected area, so that surrounding healthy tissue remains largely unaffected. This not only makes the procedure itself minimally invasive, but often also significantly more effective than conventional measures, which would frequently require major surgery.
Another advantage is the short recovery time, as the treatment is performed via a tiny skin incision and does not result in a traditional surgical wound. Tenex Health TX® has been specifically developed to remove degenerated tendon tissue without unnecessarily restricting the patient. Many patients can resume their normal activities – depending on the affected tendon – after just a short period of rest, making the method an extremely practical alternative for everyday life.
Revolutionary treatment method for tendon problems: advantages and potential risks of Tenex treatment
- Minimally invasive: Only a small puncture incision is required.
- Quick recovery: Most patients can resume their daily activities quickly.
- Low risk of complications: Compared to more extensive surgery, the risk of complications is significantly lower.
- Precise treatment: The damaged tissue is removed in a targeted manner, while healthy tissue is spared.
As with any medical procedure, there is a certain risk of complications with Tenex treatment. These include:
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur in rare cases.
- Infection: There is a theoretical risk of infection, but it is significantly lower than with conventional surgical procedures.
Revolutionary treatment for tendon problems – outpatient and minimally invasive
Recent studies – including publications in the American Journal of Sports Medicine – show that the Tenex method, as an ultrasound-guided procedure, is particularly precise. Through the use of ultrasound energy, degenerated tendon tissue can be removed with pinpoint accuracy without unnecessarily damaging surrounding tissue. Particularly in cases of elbow complaints, such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, patients benefit from significantly less trauma compared to traditional procedures.
Treatment with Tenex Health TX® is considered minimally invasive and has already been performed more than 150,000 times. The system uses high-frequency ultrasound pulses to gently loosen and aspirate damaged tissue. This significantly shortens recovery time, and patients can often return to daily life and sport more quickly – a key advantage over open surgery.
After Tenex treatment & FAQs on the Tenex procedure for tendon problems to relieve pain
After Tenex treatment, a bandage will be applied. You should rest your arm or leg for a few days and avoid putting weight on it for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Complementary regenerative treatment using focused shockwave therapy, magnetic field therapy and, if necessary, PRP injections can further accelerate the healing process.
After the Tenex treatment, a bandage will be applied. You should rest your arm or leg for a few days and avoid putting weight on it for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Complementary regenerative treatment using focused shockwave therapy, magnetic field therapy and, if necessary, PRP injections can further accelerate the healing process.
Following this, controlled immobilization plays an important role in allowing the surrounding tissue to recover. The procedure aims to treat tendon problems in the affected tendon in a targeted manner and to relieve pain without unnecessarily irritating the surrounding tissue. As only a very small incision is required and the treatment is carried out using precise ultrasound energy, the risk of complications is minimized.
Compared to open surgery, studies – including those in the Journal of Sports Medicine – show that the Tenex technique enables faster recovery. By precisely removing the damaged tissue, the structure of the healthy tendon is largely preserved, which supports more stable function in the long term. The increase in load is also gradual, to optimally promote the healing of the affected tendon.
FAQ on Tenex treatment
What is the Tenex procedure and how exactly does it work?
The Tenex procedure is a minimally invasive, percutaneous procedure in which degenerated sections of the tendon are precisely removed using ultrasound. This restores the function of the affected tendon and achieves lasting pain relief.
When is Tenex used – are conservative measures not sufficient?
The method is recommended when conservative measures such as physiotherapy, physical therapy, injections or immobilization have not brought about sufficient improvement. Particularly in cases of persistent symptoms, for example in the elbow, Tenex offers a gentle alternative to conventional surgery.
How safe is the procedure?
The procedure is safe, as the doctor identifies the exact location of the damaged tissue using real-time ultrasound. Removal is carried out with extreme precision, so that surrounding structures are spared and the risk of surgical complications is significantly lower than with open surgery.
How widely is the Tenex technique used worldwide?
Over 150,000 Tenex treatments have now been performed. This high figure demonstrates that the procedure is well-established and has become a reliable option in everyday clinical practice for patients with chronic tendon problems.
Is the method a complete alternative to surgical procedures?
For many patients, Tenex replaces a major surgical procedure because only the damaged tissue is removed. Nevertheless, the specialist decides on a case-by-case basis whether the minimally invasive method is sufficient or whether additional treatments are necessary.
