Most cases of lateral epicondylitis resolve without surgery — but only with the right treatment at the right time. This guide walks you through your options and connects you with Atlanta specialists who treat it every day.
Real Results
The procedure used for tennis elbow here is the same one described in this patient's account of their own tendon treatment.
TenJet Patient Testimonial
Video courtesy of HydroCision, Inc., the maker of TenJet®. Individual results vary; this patient's experience is not a guarantee of outcome. Talk with a specialist about whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
Treatment Pathway
Treatment follows a logical progression from conservative to interventional. Most patients improve significantly at step one or two. The key is starting early and with the right guidance.
Advanced Treatment
For chronic lateral epicondylitis that has not responded to conservative care, a minimally invasive procedure is available that physically removes the diseased tendon tissue — rather than masking symptoms with injections.
How it works
Under continuous ultrasound guidance, the treating physician makes a small incision and advances a small-gauge device directly to the degenerative portion of the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle. A precise, high-pressure saline jet simultaneously breaks down and removes the damaged collagen — an integrated aspiration channel clears the debris as healthy fibers are left intact. The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes in an office or clinic setting under local anesthesia.
Why it works for tennis elbow specifically
Chronic lateral epicondylitis is a tendinopathy — a degenerative condition — not a simple inflammation. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation temporarily but do not address the underlying degenerated collagen, which is why pain returns. This procedure mechanically removes that degenerative tissue at the common extensor or flexor origin, targeting the actual source of chronicity. Results are confirmed under real-time imaging.
Choosing Care
Two types of physicians commonly treat tennis elbow in Atlanta. The right choice depends on how long you've had symptoms and how much pain you're in.
Atlanta Specialists
Each physician below has an established Atlanta-area practice with expertise in lateral epicondylitis treatment. Contact their offices directly to schedule a consultation.
Official demonstration video from HydroCision, the maker of TenJet, plus a look at how tendinitis differs from the deeper tissue degeneration TenJet is designed to treat.
TenJet Lateral Epicondylitis Minimally Invasive Tenotomy
Diagrams and video courtesy of HydroCision, Inc.
Common Questions
That is the most common reason patients are referred for tenotomy. Therapy strengthens surrounding muscle but cannot remove tissue that has already degenerated inside the tendon.
No. A steroid injection reduces pain signalling for a period of time. TenJet physically removes the damaged portion of the tendon through a small incision, addressing the tissue itself.
In published cases most patients report improvement around the two-week mark and continue improving over roughly three months. Individual recovery varies considerably.
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic in an office or clinic setting, so there is no surgical center admission and no general anesthesia involved.
This information is general and is not medical advice. Whether any procedure is appropriate for you can only be determined by a physician who has examined you and reviewed your imaging.