Traditional Tenotomy
A tenotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting into a tendon.
Sometimesgeneral anesthesiawill be used to put you to sleep for the operation.
The incision in your skin will then be closed with sutures (stitches).
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Your healthcare provider will apply an ultrasound transducer over your skin to precisely locate your tendon.
A percutaneous tenotomy typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Who Does It
A tenotomy is usually performed by anorthopedic surgeonin an outpatient surgical setting.
Cutting a tendon releases tension from the tendon, which can help relieve chronic pain.
It is also used to lengthen the tendon to weaken the pull of the muscle.
Warnings
Because a tenotomy involves cutting into tendon tissue, further injury to a tendon can occur.
A tenotomy has relatively good treatment outcomes, including decreased pain and improved function.
A Word From Verywell
double-check you discuss the risks of a tenotomy procedure with your healthcare provider.
Ask your healthcare provider how frequently they perform tenotomies and what results were observed afterward.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Face-off: tenotomy versus tenodesis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Percutaneous needle tenotomy for tendon injuries.
