The elbow joint is a hinged joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets
the two forearm bones (ulna and radius). The main stabilizing structure of the
elbow joint is the ligament along the inner aspect of the elbow (medial
collateral ligament.) The unique anatomy of the elbow joint allows it to pass
through a broad range of motion. During repetitive overhead and lifting sports
and occupations, the elbow experiences tremendous stress. This may lead to the
formation of small loose fragments of cartilage or bone (loose bodies) or elbow
joint spurs.
Arthroscopic surgery of the elbow is challenging because of the joint's anatomy.
The bones lie close together, and nerves and blood vessels are located very
close to the joint (see illustration). Therefore, the doctor must be especially
careful when inserting the arthroscopic instruments into the joint.
Although it is a difficult procedure, arthroscopic surgery is often the ideal
choice for treating certain elbow conditions. An injury or arthritis can damage
the ends of the bones and cause bone spurs to develop. These spurs can be
painful and make it hard to move the elbow. The doctor can remove the spurs by
using special tools, such as a burr, inserted into the joint through the portals
or small incisions. After the spurs are removed, the elbow moves more easily and
with less pain.
THE OPERATION
An elbow arthroscopy introduces an arthroscope (small 'telescope') into the
elbow joint through several small 2-3 millimeter incisions.
The arthroscope is used to identify the location of the loose bodies and the
spurs.
The loose bodies can be removed by using the arthroscope in addition to small
grasping instruments. The bone spurs can be removed by visualizing the spur with
the arthroscope and using a small burr to remove the spur.
These elbow arthroscopic procedures take about 30-90 minutes and are done on an
day-case basis (without an overnight stay in the hospital).
You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the
procedure.
You will usually only be in hospital for a day.
A doctor/physiotherapist will see you before you go home. You will be given
exercises to do immediately after the procedure. These exercises are an
essential part of your recovery.
Outpatient physiotherapy should be arranged before you leave the hospital.
You can return to work as soon as you feel able and driving is usually possible
after two weeks. Most patients return to work within several days, but if their
job requires heavy lifting, climbing or throwing return may be delayed several
weeks. Full recovery and return to pre-injury athletic activities occurs within
3-6 weeks for loose body removal and 8-12 weeks for elbow spur removal
