Elbow arthroscopy is also known as elbow endoscopy. Similar to knee and shoulder arthroscopy, it is used to identify damage within the joint and treat it during the same procedure.
Tennis elbow is a tendon disorder of the extensor muscles of the forearm caused by chronic overuse @ bilderzwerg /AdobeStock
Of course, there are numerous other reasons for performing elbow arthroscopy. Today, doctors can treat nearly any painful condition in the elbow joint using arthroscopy. The conditions mentioned above are the most common.
How is elbow arthroscopy performed?
Elbow arthroscopy is a minor surgical procedure. During the procedure, the doctor makes several incisions in the elbow, each about one centimeter long.
In medical terminology, these incisions are also called portals. Through the portals, the doctor can insert the endoscopic camera directly into the elbow. This camera is about as thick as a pencil. The doctor can then view the inside of the elbow joint on a monitor.
If any damage is visible on the camera image, the doctor can repair it immediately during the arthroscopy.
To do this, the doctor inserts the appropriate instrument into the elbow through another incision.
Possible treatments include:
Smoothing the cartilage
Removal of loose bodies
Removal of bone
Removal of inflamed synovial membrane or
Fixing loose fragments or screwing fractures together
Elbow arthroscopy serves both as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgeon makes only a few small incisions to minimize tissue damage.
Elbow arthroscopy can be performed under either general or local anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient lies on their side or stomach. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, elbow arthroscopy takes between 10 and 60 minutes.
What does postoperative care look like after elbow arthroscopy?
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the patient may resume putting weight on the elbow immediately or gradually. Further treatment lasting several days may also be necessary if the doctor has to remove a significant amount of tissue.
In addition to gradually resuming weight-bearing, the patient should regularly participate in physical therapy, including range-of-motion exercises. This prevents the joint from becoming completely stiff and helps it regain its strength quickly.
The duration of sick leave following elbow arthroscopy depends on the severity of the procedure. The patient’s occupation also plays a major role:
If the arthroscopy was performed solely for diagnostic purposes, the joint will be fully weight-bearing again within a few days.
In cases of cartilage or ligament damage, however, it takes an average of three to six weeks for the joint to be able to bear weight again.
If the doctor had to suture or perform surgery inside the joint, the healing process can take up to six weeks.
For a quick recovery after the procedure, patients should:
Take advantage of regular mobilization therapy and
Take the prescribed medications
The medications are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In addition to pain relievers, the patient is also prescribed stomach-protecting medications. Some patients must wear an automatic motion splint after the procedure to keep the arm immobilized.
Elbow motion splint @ manassanant /AdobeStock
Possible Complications and Risks of Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy is a highly complex procedure and should only be performed by specially trained physicians (specialized elbow surgeons).
Unlike the knee joint, the elbow joint has a much more complex structure and offers less room to maneuver.
When performed correctly, elbow arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for treating conditions and injuries of the elbow.
Since there are numerous blood vessels and nerves near the elbow, caution is required.
Since this is a surgical procedure, the risks associated with any surgery cannot be ruled out.
The following complications may therefore also occur after elbow arthroscopy:
Impaired wound healing
Infections
Bleeding or
Thrombosis
In most cases, patients tolerate the procedure quite well. The side effects mentioned above are very rare.
Every physician listed in the Leading Medicine Guide has attained the highest level of training and certification within their respective medical specialty society. Furthermore, we contacted this physician based, among other factors, on their case volume (surgeries, treatments, and therapies), which we determined by cross-referencing various publicly available sources. Following discussions with the selected physicians and the directors of the medical facilities, as well as a subsequent internal review, they were admitted to the Leading Medicine Guide.
The quality assurance of the Leading Medicine Guide is further ensured by 8 admission criteria. Each member must meet at least 6 of them:
At least 10 years of surgical and treatment experience
Proficiency in modern diagnostic and surgical procedures
Outstanding expertise in a specific area of treatment within their own specialty
Membership in a leading national professional association
A senior professional position
Active participation in professional events (e.g., presentations)
Tennis elbow is a tendon disorder of the extensor muscles of the forearm caused by chronic overuse @ bilderzwerg /AdobeStock
Elbow motion splint @ manassanant /AdobeStock
