Elbow arthroscopy

Benefits of elbow arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy has several advantages over traditional “open” operations such as avoiding disfiguring postsurgical scars, minimal tissue injury, minimized pain syndrome, shorter and easier rehabilitation period.

Arthroscopy features

The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia. An arthroscope is inserted into the joint cavity through punctures in order to make the final diagnosis and perform treatment procedures. In the postoperative period drainage is needed to take away the blood from the joint cavity. The wounds actually leave no scars or marks after healing. After such manipulations, the rate of complications is minimal.

The indications for elbow arthroscopy are in similar to those for other joints:

Chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of the elbow, caused by various diseases with excessive production of synovial fluid, including villous-nodular synovitis, rheumatoid diseases, and degenerative changes in cartilage. Arthroscopy is used both to confirm the diagnosis and to completely or partially remove the synovial membrane of the joint;
Chronic elbow pain of unclear etiology, which may be caused by degenerative changes (osteoarthritis), as well as some forms of synovitis, marked fibrosis of the capsule, intraarticular adhesions. Such changes not always can be diagnosed with X-ray or MRI.;
Dissecting osteochondritis with recurrent and persistent pain, as well as edema of the joint with increased loads. In this disease the area of ??cartilage that covers the bones gradually exfoliates and can completely separate, transforming into a free intra-articular body that can regularly cause joint block. With arthroscopy it is possible to restore the integrity of the cartilage as well as to remove loose bodies from the joint cavity;
Osteophytes of elbow joint surfaces can be removed4
Arthrofibrosis (adhesions, development of scars in the elbow joint), often caused by serious injuries, infection of the joint or long-term immobilization, the consequences of open surgery;
Arthroscopy is used to remove scar tissue and restore joint mobility;
Intra-articular fractures are also treated with arthroscopy in order to minimize operative trauma and repair the articular surfaces.

The postoperative period after arthroscopy of the joints

During the postoperative period, the patient needs to apply cold to the joint to reduce swelling, and to take analgesics to reduce pain. It is also necessary to use compression sleeves to reduce swelling and the risk of thromboembolism.

The rehabilitation starts within a few days after surgery. The full recovery takes from 3 to 6 months.