Percutaneous Tenotomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Percutaneous tenotomy
is a procedure used to cut or loosen a tendon. The procedure can relieve chronic pain from a shortened or tight tendon.
How to prepare for the procedure:
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. He or she will tell you if it is okay to eat and drink anything before your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home.
- Tell your provider about all your current medicines. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.
- You may need an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI so your provider can check your tendon and the area around it. You may also need blood tests. Your provider will tell you when to get any needed tests.
- Tell your provider if you have any allergies or had an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
What will happen during the procedure:
- You will be given local anesthesia to help numb the area and prevent pain.
- Your healthcare provider may put a blade through your skin over the tendon. He or she will make 2 or 3 cuts in the tendon. Your provider may instead put a needle into the tendon. He or she will move the needle in and out of the tendon several times. This helps loosen the tendon.
- Your provider will move your arm or leg so the tendon is in the correct position. He or she may make a few adjustments if the movement is still limited.
- The procedure area will be covered. A cast, brace, or splint may be placed on the limb to hold the tendon in the correct position.
What to expect after the procedure:
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat pain or a bacterial infection.
- You will be given instructions for activities to avoid after the procedure. The instructions will include when it is okay to put weight on your leg or use your arm.
- Physical therapy may be started after the splint, cast, or brace is removed. A physical therapist can help you strengthen the limb and improve mobility and flexibility.
Risks of a percutaneous tenotomy:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Nerves may be damaged. You may need an open tenotomy if the percutaneous procedure does not help with your pain.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a splint or cast and it gets damaged, starts to feel tighter, or your skin turns blue or pale.
- Your limb feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have numbness or tingling in your limb more than 24 hours after surgery.
- You cannot move your limb.
- The skin on your arm or hand becomes pale or turns blue.
- You have sudden, severe pain anywhere in your arm or hand.
Call your doctor if:
- You have pain that is not helped with pain medicine.
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Apply ice, if directed. For some procedures, ice should not be applied. This is because your healthcare provider may want your body to produce inflammation. The inflammation can help stimulate healing. If your provider tells you to apply ice, use an ice pack or put crushed ice in a bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your skin. Ice helps relieve pain and inflammation. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
- Elevate your limb above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your arm on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Follow lifting instructions. Instructions will depend on the affected tendon. If the tendon is in your arm, do not lift with that arm. You may damage your elbow if you lift anything after surgery. Do not carry anything with the hand on your operated arm, or put weight on the arm.
- Ask when you can return to your daily activities. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to start driving, return to work, and do other activities.
- Do not play sports until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Start slowly. You will be able to put more stress on your limb over time. You will also need to work up to full participation in your sport. You may need to wait until x-ray or MRI pictures show that your tendon has healed completely. This may take a few months.
- Go to physical therapy, if recommended. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your limb and increase range of motion.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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