Ultrasound-guided tenotomy for lateral epicondylitis with TenJet improves physical functional and decreased pain outcomes at 1 year: a case series review

BACKGROUND: Common extensor tendinopathy is a common cause of lateral elbow pain. Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive tenotomy (MIT) has been utilized successfully as a treatment for several years, but the use of TenJet device has not been well described. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MIT with TenJet who failed nonsurgical management of common extensor tendinopathy in an outpatient setting. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with common extensor tendinopathy who failed conservative treatment underwent ultrasound-guided MIT with TenJet device in the outpatient setting at a single institution. All 100 patients prior to MIT underwent diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound showing common extensor tendinosis. The findings were interpreted by a fellowship-trained and board-certified musculoskeletal radiologist. Patients were evaluated with the Oxford Elbow Score prior to the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria included prior corticosteroid injection within the past 6 weeks of the MIT intervention, active local or systemic infection, complete full thickness tear of the common extensor tendon, and pregnancy. RESULTS: Oxford Elbow Score had a statistically significant difference in baseline to 1 year (P < .001). No complications were reported and zero patients went on to require open surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: MIT with TenJet is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for common extensor tendinopathy.