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?

Orthopedic surgeons use elbow arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, to diagnose and treat various elbow joint conditions by inserting an arthroscope through tiny incisions. Morever, surgeons favor this tenchique over traditional open surgery for certain elbow conditions due to benefits like smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, less post-operative pain, faster recovery, and improved visualization of joint structures.

Conditions Treated with Elbow Arthroscopy

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

1. Loose Bodies: Which include 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

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, which 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 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.