Elbow Arthroscopy Specialist

What is elbow arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that your doctor performs using several small incisions and surgical tools contained in long, narrow tubes, which are easily inserted through the incisions.

One of the tools, an arthroscope, contains lighting and a high-definition camera that transmits a magnified view of the surgical site to a monitor, providing enhanced visualization.

Arthroscopy offers significant health advantages compared to open surgery, such as less postoperative pain, less bleeding, minimal scarring, and quicker recovery.

What conditions may require elbow arthroscopy?

Elbow arthroscopy can relieve pain and restore function when an injury, overuse, and age-related degeneration damage the cartilage, bones, and soft tissues that make up the joint.

Your doctor may recommend elbow arthroscopy for a variety of conditions including:

Osteoarthritis

Wear and tear on your elbow gradually damages the cartilage. As cartilage breaks down, bone rubs against bone in the joint, causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, and bone spurs. Depending on the severity of your arthritis, your surgery may include repairing damaged tissues and removing scar tissue, bone spurs, and loose pieces of bone or cartilage.

Lateral epicondylitis

Better known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis occurs when tendons become inflamed due to overuse injury. Your doctor usually starts your treatment with nonsurgical options. If your symptoms don’t improve in about 6-12 months, you may need arthroscopy to remove diseased muscle and reattach healthy muscle back to the bone.

Persistent bursitis

The bursa is made up of small, fluid-filled sacs at the tip of your elbow that provide cushioning between your bones and soft tissues, like your skin.

When you suffer elbow trauma, place ongoing pressure on the elbow (leaning on it), or develop an infection, the sacs become inflamed, and you have bursitis. If nonsurgical options don’t help, your doctor may recommend elbow arthroscopy to remove the bursa.

How are elbow fractures repaired?

Fractures of the ulna and radius, the two bones that form your lower arm, often occur where they meet the elbow joint. When you suffer a fracture of the radial head, olecranon, and coronoid process of the ulna, surgery can help repair the joint.

Although the doctors at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center perform arthroscopic surgery whenever possible, traditional open surgery may be the best option for repairing some types of elbow problems, including:

• Fracture repair
• Collateral ligament repair
• Elbow joint replacement
• Ulnar nerve decompression

When you experience pain, swelling, or difficulty using your elbow, call Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center or book an appointment online.