FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy
Chronic tendon disease, caused by repetitive motions that create micro-tears or tiny breaks in the tendon tissue, requires a higher level of treatment than just rest and ice. FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy is a new minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasonic energy to treat chronic tendon disease.
How is this procedure done?
If your orthopedic specialist recommends FAST percutaneous tenotomy as an appropriate treatment for your condition, the procedure will involve the following steps:
- Imaging: Your doctor will use ultrasound technology to precisely identify the location of the affected tissue.
- Local anesthesia: The area to be treated will be numbed to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Microincision: A tiny incision will be made in the skin, just large enough to accommodate the specialized needle.
- Needle insertion: Your doctor will carefully insert a small, specially designed needle into the target area.
- Ultrasonic treatment: Once the needle is in place, ultrasonic energy will be delivered through it. This energy works to break down and remove the diseased tissue, promoting healing.
This minimally invasive technique allows for targeted treatment of the affected area with limited disruption to surrounding healthy tissue.
Benefits of FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy 
FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy offers several benefits for patients suffering from chronic tendon pain:
Minimally Invasive Procedure
FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy is a minimally invasive treatment that requires only a microincision, avoiding the need for open surgery. This results in:
- Minimal scarring
- No stitches required (only a small adhesive bandage is used)
- Reduced risk of complications compared to open surgery
Quick and Convenient Procedure
The FAST procedure is relatively quick, typically performed in 20 minutes or less. It’s usually done under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake and often drive themselves home afterward.
Rapid Recovery
Most patients experience a rapid recovery period:
- Return to normal activities within 6 weeks or less
- Minimal downtime compared to open surgery
- Often no post-procedure physical therapy is needed
Versatility
The procedure can be used to treat various tendon-related issues in different parts of the body, including:
- Shoulder (rotator cuff, biceps tendonitis)
- Elbow (tennis/golfer’s elbow)
- Hip (gluteal tendonitis)
- Knee (jumper’s knee)
- Ankle (Achilles tendonitis)
- Foot (plantar fasciitis)
For patients who have not responded to more conservative treatments like physical therapy, cortisone injections, or rest, FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy offers an alternative before considering open surgery.
Who is a Candidate for FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy?
You may be a candidate for FAST percutaneous tenotomy if you:
– Have chronic pain and been diagnosed with one of the issues listed in the blue box above
– Have been in pain for 3 months or longer
– Have already tried to rest, ice, medications and/or cortisone shots to manage your pain
Expedite Your Recovery with FAST Procedure at AOSMI
By using ultrasonic energy to precisely target and remove damaged tissue while preserving healthy surrounding tissue, FAST Percutaneous Tenotomy provides a safe and effective option for treating chronic tendon pain with minimal disruption to patients’ lives. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a board-certified orthopedic specialist at AOSMI today to discuss your treatment options and FAST procedure eligibility.
Talk with an AOSMI physician certified in Percutaneous Tenotomy treatment today to discuss your options – Call 732-720-2555
