Elbow Arthroscopy Surgery: Treatment and Recovery
To help you discuss elbow arthroscopy as a treatment option with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.
What Is Elbow Arthroscopy?
Elbow arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an arthroscope, (a small soft flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end), is inserted into a joint to evaluate and treat various conditions.
As a minimally invasive procedure, elbow arthroscopy has many advantages over traditional open elbow surgery, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Minimal soft tissue trauma
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster healing time
- Lower infection rate
Anatomy of the Elbow
The elbow is a complex hinge joint formed by the articulation of three bones: humerus, radius and ulna. The elbow is held in place with the support of various soft tissues, including cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bursae. There are several common elbow injuries, including: elbow fractures, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and elbow tendonitis.
When Is Elbow Arthroscopy Surgery Recommended?
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend elbow arthroscopy of the following reasons:
- Removal of bodies such as bone chips or torn cartilage tissue, scar tissue, or bone spurs (extra bony growths caused by injury or arthritis that damage the ends of bones causing pain and limited mobility)
- Osteochondritis dissecans
How Is Elbow Arthroscopy Performed?
Your orthopedic surgeon will follow this procedure when performing minimally invasive elbow arthroscopy:
- Make several tiny incisions into the elbow to insert the arthroscope and small surgical instruments.
- Fill the elbow joint with sterile liquid to enhance the clarity of the elbow structures through the arthroscope.
- Evaluate the joint using the arthroscope and fix the problem using surgical instruments.
- Close the site with sutures, apply a sterile dressing pad, and place a splint to restrict movement of the elbow. Your surgeon may place a splint to restrict the movement of the elbow.
What Happens After Elbow Arthroscopy?
Following elbow arthroscopy, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend the following guidelines:
- Get adequate rest.
- Raise your elbow on pillows above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry.
- Take pain medications as prescribed to keep you comfortable.
- Participate in physical therapy to restore normal elbow strength
- Eat a healthy diet and do not smoke.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Elbow Arthroscopy?
The possible risks and complications following elbow arthroscopy include: infection, bleeding, stiffness, and damage to nerves or blood vessels. However, your orthopedic surgeon and our staff will work with you to make sure there are no complications.
Elbow injuries can be painful and debilitating. But minimally invasive elbow arthroscopy could be a solution that solves your problem, without the risks of traditional elbow surgery. Let us help you get your life back.