ELBOW ARTHROSCOPY

If you need an Elbow Arthroscopy, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Elbow Arthroscopy?

Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the elbow joint using a small camera called an arthroscope. The arthroscope is inserted through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to visualize the inside of the joint on a monitor and perform necessary surgical interventions.

Elbow arthroscopy is often preferred over traditional open surgery for certain elbow conditions because it offers several benefits, including smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, less post-operative pain, faster recovery, and improved visualization of the joint structures.

Conditions Treated with Elbow Arthroscopy: Elbow arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including:

1. Loose Bodies: Small fragments of bone or cartilage that may become dislodged within the joint and cause pain and limited movement.
2. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): A condition where a piece of cartilage and underlying bone in the elbow joint becomes damaged and separates from the joint surface.
3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causing pain and tenderness.
4. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, resulting in pain and tenderness.
5. Elbow Stiffness: Arthroscopy can help release scar tissue and improve joint mobility in cases of elbow stiffness.
6. Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial lining of the joint.
7. Elbow Fractures: Some types of elbow fractures may be treated or assessed using arthroscopic techniques.

The Elbow Arthroscopy Procedure: The elbow arthroscopy procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (numbing the arm). It involves the following steps:

1. Incisions: Two or more small incisions, each about the size of a buttonhole, are made around the elbow joint.
2. Arthroscopic Visualization: The arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions, and sterile saline solution is infused into the joint to expand it, providing better visualization.
3. Surgical Interventions: The surgeon uses specialized arthroscopic instruments inserted through other incisions to perform necessary surgical procedures. These may include removing loose bodies, repairing damaged cartilage, removing inflamed tissues, or releasing tight structures.
4. Closure: After the procedure is completed, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, and a bandage is applied.

Recovery and Rehabilitation: After elbow arthroscopy, patients typically experience less post-operative pain and have a faster recovery compared to open surgery. However, the specific recovery period varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s response to treatment.

Patients may need to wear a sling or brace for a short period after surgery to protect the elbow joint. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises are prescribed to improve range of motion, strength, and function of the elbow joint during the recovery phase.

As with any surgical procedure, elbow arthroscopy carries potential risks, such as infection, nerve or blood vessel injury, and stiffness. Patients should carefully follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments for a smooth recovery and optimal outcome.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.