Our Summary

This study looks at the risks and complications associated with elbow arthroscopy, a type of minimally invasive elbow surgery, performed in a large community practice. The research looked at over 500 patients who had undergone this procedure between 2006 and 2014.

The study found that complications were rare, but did occur. Of the procedures reviewed, 2.5% resulted in a condition where bone tissue abnormally grows in soft tissue (heterotopic ossification), all in male patients. More common was a temporary nerve damage (3.5% of cases), and some patients (2.5%) developed infections. There were no instances of blood clot or severe tissue damage.

It was found that patients with high blood sugar or diabetes were more likely to get an infection after surgery. Women and those who had previous elbow surgeries were more likely to suffer nerve damage. There were hints that adults may have higher chances of nerve damage, infection, and heterotopic ossification than children, but these findings weren’t statistically significant.

In conclusion, the study suggests that elbow arthroscopy is generally a safe procedure. However, doctors should be aware of the specific risk factors, including high blood sugar, previous elbow surgery, and female gender, that may increase the chance of complications.

FAQs

  1. What complications were found to be associated with elbow arthroscopy in the study?
  2. Who are at higher risk of complications during elbow arthroscopy surgery?
  3. How safe is the elbow arthroscopy procedure according to the research?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about arthroscopy is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications as directed. This can help reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery. Additionally, maintaining good blood sugar control, especially for patients with diabetes, can help reduce the risk of infection post-surgery. Finally, following all post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments, can help ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for arthroscopy include those with conditions such as:

  1. Joint pain or stiffness
  2. Ligament or cartilage tears
  3. Inflammation or swelling in the joint
  4. Loose bone fragments
  5. Torn meniscus in the knee
  6. Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
  7. Labral tears in the hip
  8. Torn ligaments in the ankle

It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition and symptoms with their healthcare provider to determine if arthroscopy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  • Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected joint
  • Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI), and possibly other non-invasive treatments (such as physical therapy or medication)
  • Orthopedic surgeon recommends arthroscopy as a minimally invasive surgical option to diagnose and treat the joint issue

After arthroscopy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation
  • Patient receives anesthesia and the arthroscopic procedure is performed
  • Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint following surgery
  • Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation, including physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the joint
  • Patient follows up with the orthopedic surgeon for monitoring and recommendations for long-term joint health and recovery

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about arthroscopy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with arthroscopy for my specific condition?
  2. Are there any specific factors, such as high blood sugar or previous surgeries, that may increase my risk of complications?
  3. How will you monitor and manage pain after the procedure?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process following arthroscopy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered for my condition?
  6. How many arthroscopy procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. What will the procedure involve, and what can I expect during and after the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital or recovery facility after the procedure?
  9. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions I should follow during my recovery period?
  10. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Intravia J, Acevedo DC, Chung WJ, Mirzayan R. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2020 May;36(5):1283-1290. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.11.108. Epub 2019 Nov 27. PMID: 31785392