Elbow arthroscopy is also known as elbow endoscopy. Similar to knee and shoulder arthroscopy, it is used to detect damage within the joint and treat it in the same step.
Tennis elbow is a tendon disorder of the extensor muscles of the forearm caused by chronic overuse @ bilderzwerg /AdobeStock
There are, of course, numerous other reasons for performing an elbow arthroscopy. Nowadays, doctors can treat almost any painful change in the elbow joint using arthroscopy. The conditions already mentioned are the most common.
How does an elbow arthroscopy work?
Elbow arthroscopy is a minor surgical procedure. The doctor makes several incisions of around one centimeter in the elbow.
In medical terminology, these incisions are also called portals. The doctor can insert the endoscopy camera directly into the inside of the elbow through the portals. This camera is about as thick as a pencil. The doctor can then view the inside of the elbow joint on a monitor.
If there is visible damage on the camera image, it can be repaired immediately during the arthroscopy.
To do this, the doctor inserts the appropriate tool into the elbow through a different incision.
Possible treatments are
Smoothing of cartilage
Removal of free joint bodies
Removal of bone
Removal of inflamed mucous membrane or
Fastening of loose parts or screwing of fractures
Elbow arthroscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The doctor only makes a few small incisions in order to damage as little tissue as possible.
Elbow arthroscopy can be performed either under general or local anesthesia. The patient lies on their side or stomach during the operation. Depending on how complicated the procedure is, elbow arthroscopy takesbetween 10 and 60 minutes.
What is the aftercare like following an elbow arthroscopy?
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the patient can put weight on the elbow joint againimmediately or gradually. Further treatment lasting several days is also possible if the doctor has to remove a lot of tissue.
In addition to the gradual weight-bearing, the patient should do regular physiotherapy including movement training. This will prevent the joint from becoming completely rusty and it will soon be able to bear weight again.
The length of sick leave after an elbow arthroscopy depends on the severity of the procedure. The patient's occupation also plays a major role:
If the arthroscopy was only used for the diagnosis, the joint can be fully loaded again within a few days .
In the case of cartilage or ligament damage, on the other hand, it takes an average of three to six weeks before the joint can bear weight again.
If the doctor has to suture or operate on the inside of the joint, the healing process can take up to six weeks.
Patients should ensure rapid rehabilitation after the procedure:
Take advantage of regular mobilization therapy and
Take the prescribed medication
The medication is used to reduce pain and inflammation. In addition to pain medication alone, the patient is also prescribed stomach protection products. Some patients have to wear an automatic motion splint after the procedure to keep the arm still.
Motion splint for the elbow @ manassanant /AdobeStock
Possible complications and risks of elbow arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy is a very demanding procedure and should only be carried out by specially trained doctors(specialized elbow surgeons).
In contrast to the knee joint, the elbow joint is much more complicated and offers less space for maneuvering.
When performed correctly, elbow arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for treating diseases and injuries to the elbow.
As there are numerous vessels and nerves near the elbow, caution is advised.
As this is a surgical procedure, the possible risks of any operation cannot be ruled out.
The following complications can therefore also occur after an elbow arthroscopy:
Wound healing disorder
infections
bleeding or
thrombosis
In most cases, patients tolerate the procedure quite well. The side effects mentioned above are very rare.
Tennis elbow is a tendon disorder of the extensor muscles of the forearm caused by chronic overuse @ bilderzwerg /AdobeStock
Motion splint for the elbow @ manassanant /AdobeStock
