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 technique employed by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat a variety of elbow joint conditions. This procedure involves inserting an arthroscope, a small camera instrument, through tiny incisions in the skin around the elbow. The camera allows surgeons to visualize the inside of the joint and perform surgical interventions such as removing loose bodies. Additionally, repairing damaged cartilage, treating inflammation, or releasing scar tissue causing stiffness.

Orthopedic surgeons often prefer elbow arthroscopy over traditional open surgery for several reasons. It offers benefits such as smaller incisions, which minimize tissue trauma and reduce the risk of complications. Patients typically experience less post-operative pain and discomfort, leading to faster recovery times. The procedure also provides improved visualization of joint structures, allowing for more precise surgical interventions.

Overall, elbow arthroscopy represents a modern approach to treating elbow joint issues effectively. Additionally, optimizing patient outcomes through its minimally invasive nature and enhanced surgical capabilities.

Conditions Treated with Elbow Arthroscopy

Orthopedic surgeons can utilize elbow arthroscopy to diagnose and treat various conditions, including:

Loose Bodies: Which include small fragments of bone or cartilage that may become dislodged within the joint and cause pain and limited movement.
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.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causing pain and tenderness.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, resulting in pain and tenderness.
Elbow Stiffness: Arthroscopy can help release scar tissue and improve joint mobility in cases of elbow stiffness.
Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial lining of the joint.
Elbow Fractures: Some types of elbow fractures may be treated or assessed using arthroscopic techniques.

The Elbow Arthroscopy Procedure

Surgeons typically perform the elbow arthroscopy procedure under general or regional anesthesia (numbing the arm), involving the following steps.

During elbow arthroscopy, the surgeon makes two or more small incisions around the elbow joint, each about the size of a buttonhole. The surgeon inserts the arthroscope through one of these incisions and infuses sterile saline solution into the joint through another incision to expand it, enhancing visualization. Specialized arthroscopic instruments are then inserted through additional incisions to perform necessary surgical procedures. This may involve removing loose bodies, repairing damaged cartilage, removing inflamed tissues, or releasing tight structures. After completing the procedure, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or surgical tape and applies a bandage to the area.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After elbow arthroscopy, patients typically experience reduced post-operative discomfort and quicker recovery times compared to open surgery. The recovery process can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual healing responses.

Following surgery, patients may require a sling or brace temporarily to support and protect the elbow joint. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, focusing on restoring elbow range of motion, strengthening muscles around the joint, and improving overall function.

Despite its benefits, elbow arthroscopy, like any surgery, carries potential risks such as infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, and stiffness. Adhering strictly to post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon and attending follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring recovery progress and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Overall, elbow arthroscopy offers a less invasive approach for addressing elbow joint issues, facilitating faster recovery and improved functionality compared to traditional open surgeries.

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.