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Summit Offers New Treatment Option For Chronic Tendon Pain

As our understanding of chronic tendon pain has evolved, new treatments have been developed for tendon problems. Dr. Scofield explains a promising new ultrasound procedure he is offering at Summit to relieve tendon pain.

Historically, ongoing tendon pain was thought to be caused by inflammation and was treated with anti-inflammatories and cortisone shots. Although these treatments provided temporary pain relief, they have often not been helpful healing the damaged tendon. Now we understand that scar tissue, not inflammation, is at the root of chronic tendon pain. Summit Orthopedics will be offering a new ultrasonic technology that treats tendon issues at their source by removing the painful scar tissue.

“As our understanding of chronic tendon pain advances, so do the therapies we use to treat it,” explains Summit sports medicine physician Dr. Kirk Scofield. “Some of the newer treatments we use include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, strengthening exercises, and the Tenex procedure based on ultrasound technology.”

“The evolution of ultrasound-based treatments is similar to the progress we’ve made over time with arthroscopy,” says Dr. Scofield. “We started with open surgery to fix injuries such as an ACL or meniscus tear. Then, arthroscopy developed and we could insert scopes into joints to assess injuries in a less invasive way. Over time tools were developed to perform even complex arthroscopic procedures in less invasive ways.

“Ultrasound-guided procedures like Tenex have developed in the same way,” he continues. “Today, we are beginning to use ultrasound for more than just visualizing tissue and placing needles for injection; we are actually using ultrasound-powered tools to cut, debride, and remove scar tissue in the tendon under visual ultrasound guidance. Although there is still a role for surgery in some cases of tendinopathy, these new ultrasound-based procedures are minimally invasive and can be done without surgically opening up the joint in an operating room. Initial studies are very positive for Tenex, with one showing a 94 percent resolution of tissue damage and a 100 percent patient satisfaction rate. Subjects remained pain-free even at three years’ follow-up.”

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive sports medicine expertise

From Olympians to pro athletes to kids in youth sports and those that just want to be more active—Summit Orthopedics delivers expert care by fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians. If you are recently injured or concerned about ongoing pain, Summit Orthopedics sports medicine specialists have the expertise to evaluate your discomfort and develop a plan to quickly and safely help you get back to being active.

Start your journey to stronger, healthier athletic condition. Find your sports medicine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a sports medicine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MNVadnais Heights, MN, Plymouth, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as several additional community clinics.

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