Our Summary

Elbow arthroscopy is a type of surgery that allows doctors to treat a wide variety of elbow injuries and diseases in a way that is less invasive than traditional surgery. This type of surgery usually results in less harm to the patient and quicker recovery times, unless there are serious complications afterwards. Although most complications are minor and temporary, elbow arthroscopy has a higher risk of complications compared to similar surgeries on other joints. This is mainly due to the close proximity of nerves and blood vessels in the area, increasing the chances of nerve damage.

A recent study of 114 similar studies found that complications occur in about 3% of cases, with 2% requiring a second surgery. Temporary nerve damage accounted for about a third of these complications. The study also suggested that a surgeon’s experience plays a significant role in the rate of complications, with those who have performed over 200 of these surgeries considered experts.

Other factors that can increase the risk of complications include patient-related factors such as obesity, being female, being over 65 years old, having high blood sugar levels, having a disorder that makes blood clot more easily, smoking, drinking alcohol, having a history of previous surgery and receiving corticosteroid injections around the time of surgery. To avoid complications, it’s important for surgeons to know exactly when this type of surgery is needed and to have a thorough understanding of the complex 3-dimensional structure of the elbow, particularly the location of the nerves in relation to the surgical area.

FAQs

  1. What is elbow arthroscopy and what conditions does it treat?
  2. What are some potential complications of elbow arthroscopy and how often do they occur?
  3. What factors can influence the risk of complications after elbow arthroscopy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about arthroscopy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and taking prescribed medications. This can help reduce the risk of complications and promote a successful recovery. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for elbow arthroscopy include those with:

  1. Elbow injuries such as ligament tears, cartilage injuries, and loose bodies
  2. Elbow pathologies such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and synovitis
  3. Persistent elbow pain and limited range of motion that have not responded to conservative treatments
  4. Recurrent elbow dislocations or instability
  5. Elbow fractures that require surgical intervention
  6. Evaluation and treatment of elbow conditions in athletes, such as baseball players, tennis players, and weightlifters

It is important for patients to be evaluated by a skilled orthopedic surgeon who has experience in performing elbow arthroscopy to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. Patients with risk factors for complications should be carefully assessed and monitored throughout the surgical and recovery process.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  • Patient meets with a surgeon to discuss the need for elbow arthroscopy and potential risks and benefits
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure
  • Patient may receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting and medication adjustments
  • The surgery is scheduled and the patient is advised on what to expect during and after the procedure

After arthroscopy:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home or to a hospital room
  • Pain and discomfort are expected, and pain management strategies are provided by the medical team
  • Patient may be advised to rest and elevate the affected arm to reduce swelling
  • Physical therapy is often recommended to help regain strength and mobility in the elbow
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific condition or injury is being treated with arthroscopy?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with elbow arthroscopy?
  3. What is the success rate of elbow arthroscopy for my particular condition?
  4. How experienced is the surgeon in performing elbow arthroscopy?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after elbow arthroscopy?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  7. How long will the effects of the arthroscopy last?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments or surgeries after the arthroscopy?
  9. What can I do to minimize the risk of complications during and after the procedure?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should make before or after the arthroscopy to improve outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Hasan SS. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2023 Nov;39(11):2388-2391. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.06.011. PMID: 37866876