Tendonosis diagnosis (elbow ultrasound) with prolotherapy recommended

@barbaradh My ortho went one step farther and ordered an MRI on the elbow, which revealed a partially torn tendon. He offered ultrasound guided Tenex to remove the damaged tissue, or injected PRP (plasma rich protein). The Tenex procedure had a slightly higher success rate, so zi chose it. At six months I am pain-free.

Awesome news, Sue. Thanks for sharing. May I ask what city your surgeon is in?

Near Minneapolis Minnesota

That’s a hike for me! Thanks

@barbaradh If you have a sports medicine orthopedic practice near you, the young docs there are very tuned in to newer procedures.
I forgot to add that this procedure, like plasma rich protein (PRP) injections, is considered "experimental" at this point, so not covered by insurance. Mine cost about $1500, and was worth every penny. Ironically, if the doc had done a more invasive surgery to clean up the tendon, with similar success rate, higher cost, longer recovery time, and greater infection risk, it would have been covered.

My inclination is always to try the nonsurgical approach first. But I am thrilled you had such a success experience. Do you know the source of your elbow pain? Sports, carrying a big box, etc.?

@barbaradh Arthritis and MANY years of overuse. My shoulder also had numerous torn tendons, which were surgically repaired.

I am 68 and my elbows X-rays done in September showed zero sign of arthritis. It was easy to rule that out.