Elbow arthroscopy: where are we now?

Abstract

Elbow arthroscopy has developed over the past several years. Indications have evolved from simple loose body removal to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. There have been few published reports of elbow arthroscopy compared to reports of knee or shoulder arthroscopy. Complications are more frequently reported after elbow arthroscopy than after arthroscopy of larger joints; therefore, careful attention to detail is necessary to help prevent neurovascular complications. Elbow arthroscopy can be a useful technique for the orthopaedic surgeon. This review will describe the operative setup and appropriate portal placement. Currently, several different pathologies have been addressed arthroscopically, including loose bodies, arthritis, fracture, instability, and osteochondritis dissecans.