Comparing two treatments for Tennis Elbow

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of Open Debridement Versus Percutaneous Ultrasonic Treatment for Symptomatic Lateral Epicondylitis.

Not applicable Interventional Virtua Health, Inc. · NCT05757739

This study is testing two different treatments for Tennis Elbow to see which one helps people recover better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorVirtua Health, Inc. Academic / other
Locations10 sites (Burlington, New Jersey and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05757739 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares two treatment options for chronic lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Tenotomy Technique or traditional Open Surgical Debridement. The Tenex procedure uses ultrasonic energy to remove damaged tissue with local anesthesia, while the open debridement requires a surgical incision under general anesthesia. Follow-up appointments will monitor patient progress over a year, and participants will complete questionnaires to assess their recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-70 with chronic lateral epicondylitis lasting at least six months and who have not responded to alternative treatments.

Not a fit: Patients who have had recent surgery on the affected elbow or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the more effective treatment for Tennis Elbow, improving patient outcomes and recovery times.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on Tennis Elbow treatments, this specific comparison of the Tenex procedure and open debridement is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals 18-70 years of age
* Clinically documented chronic lateral epicondylitis with a minimum of 6 months of persistent elbow pain that impedes daily activities.
* Failed alternative treatment for \> 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Surgical procedure on affected extremity within last six months.
* Dermatological disorder in affected area
* Currently pregnant, confirmed via pregnancy test.
* Blood disorders, autoimmune disorders, disorders requiring immunosuppression, cancer, malignancies, an ongoing infectious disease, or sickle cell or other blood disorders.
* Failed prior surgical procedure on the affected joint.
* No prior effort to treat (stretching, rest, medication) or implementation of external protocol in an effort to improve condition (physical therapy, massage treatment, rehabilitation techniques).

Where this trial is running

Burlington, New Jersey and 9 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Orthopedic Devices Associated With Misadventures
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.