Elbow Arthroscopy
Through small incisions and a camera, loose bodies are removed from the elbow, stiffness is released and cartilage problems are treated.
The elbow is a complex joint where three bones and many nerves and blood vessels lie close together. Elbow arthroscopy is keyhole surgery performed through a few small incisions with a camera and fine instruments. The inside of the joint can be seen in detail and many problems can be treated without a large incision.
When is it used?
- Loose bodies: Fragments of cartilage or bone moving inside the joint cause locking and pain.
- Elbow stiffness: After a fracture or injury, the capsule is released and blocking bone spurs are removed.
- Elbow arthritis: Removing bone spurs can reduce pain and improve movement.
- Osteochondritis dissecans: Damage to cartilage and the underlying bone, especially in young athletes.
- Tennis elbow: Cleaning damaged tendon tissue in persistent cases.
- Synovial disease and plica syndrome.
Symptoms
Being unable to straighten or bend the elbow fully, catching and locking during movement, swelling, pain and loss of strength suggest problems that arthroscopy can treat.
Diagnosis
Examination assesses range of motion, the site of pain and nerve function. X-rays and CT show bone spurs and loose bodies, and MRI shows cartilage and soft tissue.
How is it done?
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia with a nerve block. A camera and instruments are placed through small incisions around the elbow, using safe entry points that respect the course of the nerves and vessels. Loose bodies are removed, the capsule is released and bone spurs are cleaned.
Recovery
Because the elbow stiffens easily when kept still, movement exercises start early after surgery. A regular and patient physiotherapy programme is particularly important after surgery for stiffness. Returning to daily activities usually takes a few weeks.
Preventing elbow stiffness
The main cause of stiffness after elbow fractures and injuries is keeping the joint still for too long. Controlled movement exercises should therefore start as early as possible after injury, on medical advice. If stiffness has developed, physiotherapy and dynamic splints are tried first; if they are not enough, arthroscopic release is considered.
After surgery
After arthroscopy the elbow is protected with a light dressing for a few days. Movement exercises usually begin in the first days. After surgery for stiffness, a night splint may be used to maintain the movement gained.
Frequently asked questions
Does arthroscopy fully cure elbow stiffness?
Range of motion improves considerably in most patients. The result depends on the cause and duration of the stiffness and on following the exercises after surgery.
When can I use my arm after surgery?
The arm can usually be used for light daily tasks soon after surgery. Heavy loads are postponed for a few weeks.
Is there a risk of nerve injury?
Because nerves pass close to the elbow joint, this risk is taken into account and surgery is planned with safe entry points. The risk is low but is discussed in detail before surgery.
Is elbow arthroscopy a day procedure?
Many patients go home the same day or the next. After extensive release for stiffness, a short stay may be needed to start the early movement programme.
The information on this page is general and does not replace an examination. An examination is needed to decide which treatment suits you.