Orthopedic Referrals · Atlanta, GA

Relief for lateral epicondylitis starts with the right specialist

Tennis elbow affects far more people than just athletes. If you're dealing with persistent outer elbow pain, connecting with a qualified orthopedic surgeon early makes a measurable difference in outcomes.

Patient Experience

What TenJet Patients Report

TenJet treats chronic tendon degeneration wherever it occurs. In this video a TenJet patient describes the procedure and their recovery.

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.

3%
of adults affected annually
95%
resolve without surgery
12mo
avg untreated duration

Connecting Atlanta patients with the right specialist

This site exists to help patients navigating lateral epicondylitis — commonly known as tennis elbow — find qualified, experienced physicians in the Atlanta metro area who specialize in diagnosing and treating this condition.

The physicians listed below are board-certified specialists with established practices in pain management, sports medicine, and orthopedic rehabilitation. Each has a track record of treating elbow and upper extremity conditions with both conservative and interventional approaches.

If you're unsure which type of specialist is right for your situation, the condition guide below can help you understand the treatment pathway before your first appointment.


Advanced Treatment

Ultrasound-guided TenJet® percutaneous tenotomy

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.

Learn more about TenJet at HydroCision.com →

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.

Diagram of the TenJet FluidJet mechanism resecting degenerative tendon tissue
The TenJet FluidJet mechanism: a pressurized saline jet resects diseased tissue while an in-line suction channel evacuates debris. Image courtesy of HydroCision.
How it compares
Cortisone injection
Reduces inflammation temporarily. Does not remove degenerative tissue. Pain typically returns within weeks to months.
Percutaneous debridement
Physically removes degenerative collagen under ultrasound guidance. Small incision, local anesthesia, office procedure. Addresses the source.
PRP therapy
Stimulates a healing response but does not remove existing diseased tissue. Complementary, not equivalent.
Surgical release
Open or arthroscopic tendon release. Effective but requires surgical center, general anesthesia, and longer recovery.
Small incision, performed in-office under local anesthesia
No general anesthesia or surgical center required
Real-time ultrasound guidance throughout
Most patients return to normal activity within days to weeks
Treats the degenerative tissue — not just the pain

Official procedure overview from HydroCision, the manufacturer of TenJet. Video may include clinical imagery of the tenotomy procedure. Watch on YouTube.


What is tennis elbow?

Lateral epicondylitis is an overuse injury of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, 95% of cases occur in non-tennis players.

Causes & Risk Factors
Repetitive gripping, lifting, or forearm rotation — common in office workers, tradespeople, and athletes alike. Onset is typically gradual, peaking between ages 30 and 50.
Symptoms to Watch
Burning pain on the outer elbow, weakened grip, discomfort when lifting even light objects, and pain that worsens with wrist extension. Symptoms may radiate down the forearm.
Treatment Pathway
Conservative care resolves most cases: rest, PT, bracing, and anti-inflammatories. Persistent cases respond well to PRP therapy or minimally invasive release. Surgery is rarely indicated.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play tennis to get tennis elbow?

No. Most people diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis have never picked up a racquet. Repetitive gripping, lifting and wrist extension from work or hobbies produce the same tendon damage.

How long does the TenJet procedure itself take?

The appointment runs about 15 to 20 minutes in an outpatient setting. The device is usually active for only a few of those minutes; the rest is positioning, ultrasound imaging and numbing.

What happens if I keep waiting?

Chronic tendinosis does not reliably resolve with rest alone, because the problem is degenerated tissue rather than inflammation. Symptoms present longer than three months are worth having imaged.

Will insurance cover it?

Tenotomy procedures are covered by Medicare and most private insurers. Coverage still depends on your specific plan and documentation, so confirm with the treating practice before scheduling.

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.

Specialist Network

Physicians I work with directly

Each physician listed below has an established practice in the Atlanta metro area treating conditions including lateral epicondylitis, tendon disorders, and musculoskeletal pain. These are not directory listings — they are specialists with proven expertise in elbow conditions.

CG
Orthopedic Sports Medicine · Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute · Lawrenceville & Dacula, GA
Fellowship-trained in sports medicine. Expert in non-surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions including PRP, ultrasound-guided injections, and regenerative medicine techniques for elbow and tendon disorders.
Call (770) 795-5620
MS
Non-Operative Orthopedics · Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute · Atlanta Metro, GA
Specializes in non-operative orthopedic care and sports medicine, focused on helping patients recover from musculoskeletal injuries without surgery where possible.
Call (770) 758-5059
KK
Dr. Kamal Kabakibou, MD
Interventional Pain Medicine · Anesthesiology
The Center for Pain Management · Atlanta, GA (Howell Mill Rd)
Board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist with 30+ years of experience. Fellowship-trained at Baylor College of Medicine. Expertise in comprehensive pain management for chronic elbow and musculoskeletal conditions.
Call (404) 882-9778
EO
Interventional Pain Medicine · Anesthesiology
OlympusMD Pain & Wellness Specialists · Metro Atlanta, GA
Founding partner of OlympusMD. Board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, fellowship-trained at UAB. Experienced in advanced procedures including spinal cord stimulation, PRP, and regenerative medicine.
Call (770) 629-9023
OH
Interventional Pain Medicine · Anesthesiology
OlympusMD Pain & Wellness Specialists · Metro Atlanta, GA
Board-certified attending anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician. Fellowship-trained at Emory University. Specializes in comprehensive pain management with a patient-first philosophy.
Call (770) 629-9023
UN
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation · Spine
Resurgens Orthopaedics · Covington & Decatur, GA
Specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation with a focus on spine and musculoskeletal conditions, offering non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options.
Call (404) 856-3706