Tenotomy

Pain Management

What is a Tenotomy?

A percutaneous tenotomy is a procedure where a needle is passed multiple times into an affected tendon or fascial band. This action stimulates a healing response from the body by promoting bleeding and inflammation, which can help in tendon repair. In some cases, it may be used to help break up any scar tissue or small calcifications.

FAQs

How do we know the Tenotomy is being performed in the correct location?

Tenotomies are guided by ultrasound, which allows the Radiologist to visualize the needle while viewing the structure that is being targeted for treatment.

What can I expect at my appointment?

Once you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to complete a few forms pertaining to the appointment. To allow adequate time for this, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

You will be taken back to a private exam room for your procedure. One of our technologists and a Radiologist will review your previous diagnostic imaging, discuss the reason for your referral to Beam Radiology, and explain the details of the recommended pain management treatment.

Communication is very important to Beam, and you will be given opportunity to ask any questions you may have before beginning. You will be positioned in a way so that the Radiologist can access the site of interest. The skin in this area will be disinfected with a cleaning solution. To ensure effectiveness and accuracy, ultrasound will be used in real-time to guide the tenotomy. The Radiologist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area, followed by multiple passes of the needle into the affected structure. There is no corticosteroid injected with this procedure.

Following your procedure, you will be directed to wait for a brief observation period. One of our technologists will review the post-procedure care with you, and then you will be free to leave the clinic. This procedure may require you to have a driver, depending on the site being targeted. This will be communicated at the time of booking.

What are my expected results post injection?

Following the procedure, and once the local freezing wears off, you may feel an increase in pain symptoms for a few days. The amount of time will be variable for each individual. A tenotomy is intended to create a controlled inflammatory response which provides a gradual onset of relief. With successful treatment pain relief/healing may take weeks or months. A physiotherapy program is recommended to guide rehabilitation and return to regular activities.

What are the risks associated with my injection?

This procedure is performed using sterile technique. Very rare complications include allergic reaction, infection, and bleeding.

This procedure is performed using a sterile technique. Very rare complications include allergic reaction, infection, and bleeding.

Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid hot tubs, pools, or baths for 48 hours. You can shower normally.

Avoid any ice or oral anti-inflammatories for 4 weeks after the procedure. Tylenol can be used to control pain.

You can perform your normal activities of daily living. Depending on the structure being treated, some patients may be required to be non-weight bearing with either a walking boot or crutches for a few days after the procedure. Others may be required to limit heavy lifting, strenuous activities, explosive or repetitive movements for two weeks after this procedure. After two weeks you may start or resume a physiotherapy program.