Understanding Arthroscopy of the Elbow London: A Small Procedure for Joint Repair

Elbow arthroscopy is a keyhole surgery, which means the surgeon uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through several small incisions (portals) to navigate within the elbow joint. It’s like seeing into a room through a keyhole rather than having to open an entire door.

During the procedure:

1. Small incisions: The surgeon makes a few small incisions (each less than 0.4 inch) around your elbow.
2. Arthroscope insertion: The arthroscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera at its tip is inserted through one opening.
3. Joint visualization: Sterile fluid is pumped into the joint to inflate it to allow for visualization on a screen.
4. Treatment with tiny instruments:  Other instruments are inserted through others small cuts to diagnose and treat conditions such as:
   • Getting rid of any loose bone or cartilage particles
   • Trimming inflamed tissue (synovitis)
   • Repairing or removing injured cartilage
   • Breaking up scar tissue (adhesions) or tightness (contractures)

• Minimally invasive: – Smaller incisions as compared to traditional open surgery, resulting in:
  • Less discomfort and pain
  • Reduced stiffness
  • Earlier recovery and return to day to day activities

The elbow arthroscopy is performed with the purpose of diagnosis and treatment:

• Diagnostic: To find out the cause of pain, stiffness or restricted movement (such as arthritis, loose fragments or scar tissue).
• Treatment: To treat a number of underlying conditions, including:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis)
  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Loose bodies (bones or cartilage fragments)
  • Synovitis (joint lining inflammation)
  • Contractures (stiffness)
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (cartilage lesion)

Elbow arthroscopy can be an effective surgery for both diagnosis and treatment of a number of elbow joint disorders. Talk to your surgeon about whether it is right for you.