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Arthroscopic surgery of the elbow joint

When is arthroscopic elbow surgery necessary?

Compared to other arthroscopic surgeries, elbow joint surgery is performed less often, and the performance technique is also more complicated. Arthroscopic elbow joint surgery is usually required for arthrosis, osteochondritis, elbow contracture (decreased range of motion), joint laxity.

Joint contracture

When suffering from joint contracture, the movements of the elbow become limited, because the stiffness of the joint is felt. Although the patient does not feel pain, it becomes difficult to bend or extend the arm. During the operation, excess bony growths and other tissues that limit hand movements are removed.

Synovitis, arthritis

Synovitis is an inflammation of soft tissues. When synovitis occurs, the amount of joint fluid in the joint increases, inflammatory processes occur, arthritis, bursitis, and other joint diseases appear. During arthroscopy, excess synovial tissue is removed.

Free articular bodies

Another pathology is loose bodies of the elbow, which cause stiffness of the hand, unpleasant sensations of being stuck, and pain. During an arthroscopic operation, these joint bodies are removed and the patient can immediately feel that the movements of the hand become freer and easier.

Injuries, "tennis elbow"

Damage to the elbow joint is, of course, also caused by various injuries sustained during sports and active leisure activities. Elbow inflammation is especially common among athletes. One of the inflammations is even called "tennis elbow", which is caused by repetitive movements in the wrist and elbow joint.

How to prepare for surgery?

This is a surgical procedure that usually involves the use of local anesthesia. Before the operation, it is recommended to give up bad habits, because alcohol and tobacco can affect the body's recovery and healing. Targeted consultation of a rehabilitator or physiotherapist regarding physical preparation before and after surgery. General health examinations are recommended before surgery.

How is arthroscopic elbow joint surgery performed?

Elbow surgery is performed arthroscopically through 2-4 small incisions a few millimeters long. An arthroscope, a small optical device with a camera, is inserted through one incision so that the doctor can see the joint damage and identify the pathology very closely on the screen. The instruments required for the operation are introduced through another incision.

The advantage of arthroscopic surgery is that there is no need to fully open the elbow joint and make extremely large incisions. For this reason, postoperative care is easier, scars do not remain, and wounds heal faster.

Postoperative period and healing

Special care

In the first days after surgery, it is especially important to reduce swelling. Swelling of the operated area is effectively suppressed by the use of ice (it cannot be applied directly to the skin, the ice should be wrapped in a clean cloth and bag so that the condensate does not wet the postoperative wounds) and the use of anti-inflammatory medications.

Use all these procedures only after consulting your doctor.

Healing

Since this operation is minimally invasive, it will be possible to start light rehabilitation exercises selected by specialists the very next day. Also, don't forget to bandage the wound regularly.

A full recovery will require approximately 6 months of physical rehabilitation.

Scarring

During elbow joint arthroscopy, the arthroscopic technology used allows to operate with minimal tissue damage, so the scars remain small, they quickly fade and become practically invisible.