Rotator cuff tendinopathy without open surgery — TenJet® percutaneous tenotomy
Many patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder tendon degeneration are candidates for TenJet® percutaneous tenotomy — a minimally invasive alternative to open or arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Find an Atlanta Specialist Surgery vs TenJet®Firsthand Account
Hear a TenJet patient explain why a percutaneous approach appealed to them and how the recovery compared.
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.
For patients with tendinopathy (tendon degeneration without complete tear), TenJet® offers significant advantages over traditional surgical approaches.
| Factor | Open/Arthroscopic Surgery | TenJet® Tenotomy |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Large or multiple portals | Small single incision |
| Anesthesia | General or regional | Local anesthesia only |
| Setting | Hospital or surgical center | Office or clinic |
| Procedure time | 45–90 minutes | ~15 minutes |
| Recovery time | 3–6 months | Weeks to months |
| Insurance coverage | Yes | Medicare + most insurers |
| Guideline imaging | Fluoroscopy/arthroscopy | Real-time ultrasound |
TenJet® by HydroCision uses a high-pressure saline FluidJet™ to precisely emulsify and remove degenerated shoulder tendon tissue. The procedure is performed under continuous ultrasound guidance, allowing the physician to target only the damaged tissue while preserving healthy surrounding fibers.
Official product information: hydrocision.com/product/tenjet/
TenJet® tenotomy is typically appropriate for patients who:
Your specialist will review your imaging and clinical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
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 Shoulder Minimally Invasive Tenotomy
Diagrams and video courtesy of HydroCision, Inc.
Common Questions
Arthroscopy uses portals, a camera and an operating room under general anesthesia. This is performed through a single small incision under local anesthetic in an outpatient setting.
Sometimes briefly. One published rotator cuff case used a sling for two days before starting gentle pendulum movement, but instructions depend on what was treated.
Most patients referred for tenotomy have. Prior corticosteroid injection is part of the usual history and does not by itself rule out the procedure.
Through symptom change, functional improvement and follow-up imaging. Published cases document reduced pain scores alongside improved tendon appearance on repeat ultrasound.
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.