Why is Elbow Arthroscopy Required?

Arthroscopic intervention of your elbow might be required if your orthopaedist observes any abnormal conditions related to it. There are many reasons that can call for an elbow arthroscopy which include:

Presence of pieces of degenerated cartilage in the joint space of elbows.
Inflammation in the elbow
Trauma
Stiffness of joints
Tendon damage
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis that causes inflammation
Injuries caused due to excessive stretching of your elbow beyond its limit
Cartilage tears
Lateral Epicondylitis – Also known as tennis elbow, where the tendons on the outer parts become inflated at the lateral epicondyle (bony prominence) of your elbow.
Ligament damage or tear
Instability of your elbow joint
Fractures
Osteochondritis dissecans which damages the capitellum part of the humerus (bone in the arm) that is common injury for throwers and gymnasts
Presence of bone spurs around the joints of your elbow

Methods/Techniques of Elbow Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy begins by filling up your elbow joints with a fluid. Tiny incisions are made around your elbows to get access to your joints. An arthroscope is passed through one of these incisions. It contains a fibre-optic camera in its inserted end. The fluid is helpful in giving a clear view of the internal structure, on the camera. It is also helpful to prevent bleeding. The lens of the camera is designed in such a way that it is useful to magnify internal smaller structures of the elbow and display them on the monitor screen. This view allows your orthopaedic surgeon to accurately diagnose the deformities present in your elbows.

Other incisions can help your doctor to change the position of the camera to view various other structures in your elbow. More than one arthroscope can be used in this procedure. Using such methods, doctors can identify loose bodies, bone spurs and many such problems around that section.

An arthroscope can be useful in removal of loose bodies present near your elbows. Surgical cutlery can be used with the help of arthroscope to discard bone spurs or loose bodies. Tissue samples can be collected from these sections for a tissue biopsy test to check signs of infections, cancer or any other abnormal conditions.

It takes around 30-90 minutes for the complete execution of elbow arthroscopy.

Risks And Complications

Risks and complications associated with elbow arthoscopy involve the following:

Infections
Internal bleeding
Unusual pain around your surgical site
Redness
Swelling
Felling numb around the surgical site
Tingling and/or itchiness around your surgical site
Unusual/excessive bleeding from your wounds
Fever
Formation of sinus tract
Blood clots
Nerve irritation or nerve injuries
Damaged nerves and/or blood vessels