An elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment of elbow joint injuries. Through small incisions and with the help of a camera, the specialist can work inside the elbow joint, diagnose and treat pathologies, which were previously more difficult to recognize and required a more aggressive surgical approach. It is an intervention that is performed under loco-regional anesthesia, sleeping only the arm that will be intervened. In most cases the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is discharged the same day.
Can this technique be applied in all types of lesions, or in which ones is it indicated? Why?
Elbow arthroscopy is indicated in the following cases, among others:
- Stiffness and/or loss of mobility of the elbow.
- Joint blockages.
- Epicondylitis or tennis elbow.
- Cartilage lesions (osteochondritis dissecans).
- Trauma and joint fractures.
- Elbow osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Some ligament instabilities of the elbow.
How long will it take the patient to recover after the operation?
Recovery after surgery is very rapid. Usually a few days or a few weeks, depending on the case.
When will he/she be able to resume sports practice, for example, and his/her “normal” life?
Normal life is reintroduced from a few days after the operation, in an early manner. Sporting life is resumed 12 weeks after the operation.