The elbow is a necessary part of everyday life. It is used in almost all daily tasks. Due to this, when the elbow is affected by any injuries or issues, quality of life is seriously impacted. Luckily, there are many procedures which can be used to return the elbow to a healthy state. One of the most common of these procedures is elbow arthroscopy.
At Boston Hand to Shoulder, our doctors specialize in elbow treatment through arthroscopy. Make an appointment to determine whether elbow arthroscopy is the right treatment for your condition. You will meet with an elbow specialist to determine the best path to healing based on your symptoms and diagnosis.
What Is Elbow Arthroscopy?
Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the elbow joint. It involves the insertion of small cameras and surgical tools into the elbow. This allows surgery to be performed without the need for large incisions or long healing times. At Boston Hand to Shoulder, our surgical team are experts in performing elbow arthroscopy.
Conditions Treated
As mentioned, elbow arthroscopy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. The most common conditions it is used on include:
- Fractures
- Tennis Elbow
- General Stiffness
- Arthritis
- Ligament Tears
- Cartilage Damage
This is not a complete list. Elbow arthroscopy can be used to treat any condition where minimally invasive elbow surgery is necessary. Our arthroscopy surgeons will be able to determine if this procedure could be useful in treating your condition.
How the Arthroscopy Procedure for the Elbow Works
The procedure involves making small incisions on or near the elbow. A fiber optic camera is then inserted through the incisions, giving the surgeon a clear view of the interior of the elbow. Miniature surgical instruments are also inserted, which are then used to perform the required surgery.
Recovery Time
The exact length of recovery depends on the particular surgery that was performed using elbow arthroscopy. However, as it is a minimally invasive procedure, most patients can expect to recover within 3-8 weeks. Your surgeon will be able to give you a more exact recovery time estimate based on your particular case.
Arthroscopy Frequently Asked Questions
Understandably, many patients have questions regarding elbow arthroscopy. Here, we will answer some of the most common ones.
How does arthroscopy differ from traditional open surgery?
The main difference is that arthroscopy incisions are much smaller than those made during traditional open surgery. This leads to a number of benefits, including:
- Reduced scarring
- Lower risk of infection
- Less postoperative pain and discomfort
- Faster recovery
These benefits usually make arthroscopy the top choice over traditional open surgery whenever possible.
Am I a candidate for elbow arthroscopy?
If you have a chronic condition of the elbow which requires surgery, you may be a candidate for elbow arthroscopy. To know for sure, you will need to undergo a consultation with one of our arthroscopic surgeons. They will be able to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate.
Can this procedure help with tennis elbow or arthritis?
Elbow Arthroscopy can help with tennis elbow and arthritis. In fact, it is often the preferred surgical technique when treating either of these conditions.
How long does surgery take?
Usually, elbow arthroscopy is not a long procedure. In general, you can expect the operation to take between 30 minutes and 1 hour. In most cases, it will be done as an outpatient procedure and you will be able to return home to rest the same day.