Our Summary

This research paper looked at the trends and associated risks involving elbow arthroscopy - a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the elbow. The study used a national insurance database to track the procedures from 2007 to 2011.

The study found that there was a slight increase in the number of elbow arthroscopy procedures performed over the years. Most of the patients were men (71%) and middle-aged (40 to 59 years old). There were also regional differences in the type of procedure performed.

The study also looked at the rate of reoperation - that is, patients who needed another operation due to complications. The overall rate of reoperation was low at 2.2%. The most common reason for a second operation was nerve injury.

However, the study only recorded complications that required a second operation. This means the overall number of complications could be higher.

The researchers concluded that elbow arthroscopy is a relatively uncommon procedure, but appears to be increasing in frequency. Despite this, the chances of needing a second operation due to complications is low.

FAQs

  1. What is elbow arthroscopy and how common is this procedure?
  2. What were the main findings of the study on elbow arthroscopy from 2007 to 2011?
  3. What was the most common reason for a second operation after an initial elbow arthroscopy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including doing prescribed exercises and attending physical therapy to aid in recovery and prevent complications. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended elbow surgery are those who have persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, or instability in the elbow joint that has not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. Common conditions that may require elbow surgery include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Elbow fractures or dislocations
  • Ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel syndrome)
  • Loose bodies or bone spurs in the elbow joint

Patients who have failed to find relief from their symptoms through nonsurgical methods and who have significant functional limitations or decreased quality of life may be candidates for elbow surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before elbow surgery:

  1. Patient experiences elbow pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion.
  2. Patient consults with a doctor or orthopedic specialist.
  3. Doctor recommends elbow arthroscopy as a treatment option.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation.
  5. Surgery date is scheduled.

After elbow surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes elbow arthroscopy procedure.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and then discharged home.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including rest, pain management, and physical therapy.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and regains full use of the elbow over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of elbow surgery are you recommending for my condition?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?

  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?

  4. How many times have you performed this specific type of elbow surgery?

  5. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition?

  6. Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital following the surgery?

  7. What should I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?

  8. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?

  9. How long do you anticipate it will take for me to regain full function in my elbow after the surgery?

  10. What is the likelihood of needing a second operation or experiencing complications after the surgery, based on your experience with similar patients?

Reference

Authors: Leong NL, Cohen JR, Lord E, Wang JC, McAllister DR, Petrigliano FA. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2015 Oct;31(10):1928-32. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2015.03.036. Epub 2015 May 15. PMID: 25980921