Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps diagnose and treat problems inside the elbow joint. It uses a small camera and tiny instruments inserted through small cuts to view and fix issues with bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues. This approach often causes less pain and scarring than open surgery, and it can speed recovery for many patients. We use elbow arthroscopy when conservative care, like rest and physical therapy, has not relieved symptoms from arthritis, loose fragments, stiffness, or certain injuries. It is not always the best choice for very large fractures, severe instability, or an active skin infection at the surgical site, which may require open surgery or other treatments. At Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, we evaluate your elbow carefully to decide if arthroscopy is appropriate for your situation. Your surgeon will review alternatives and expected outcomes before recommending this procedure.
Elbow Arthroscopy Details
Elbow arthroscopy involves inserting an arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera and light, into the elbow joint through a small incision. The camera projects images to a monitor, so the surgeon can see the joint surfaces, cartilage, ligaments, and nearby soft tissues. Tiny surgical tools are inserted through other small incisions to remove loose bone or cartilage fragments, smooth rough surfaces, trim inflamed tissue, or release scar tissue that limits motion. It can also help diagnose causes of pain or stiffness that are not clear on imaging tests. The procedure treats conditions such as early arthritis, cartilage damage, trapped tissue, and some sports injuries. It is usually recommended when nonoperative care has not helped, or when a direct look inside the joint will guide better treatment. Elbow arthroscopy is not recommended when a large open repair is needed, when the joint is grossly unstable, or when there is an untreated infection at the surgical site.
What Elbow Arthroscopy Includes
The procedure is most often done with the patient under general anesthesia, though some cases use regional blocks combined with light sedation. The surgeon makes a few small incisions, called portals, to place the arthroscope and instruments; a sterile fluid is used to expand the joint and improve visibility. Through the camera, the surgeon inspects the inside of the elbow and treats problems such as removing loose fragments, shaving damaged cartilage, or releasing tight tissue that limits motion.
Because the incisions are small, tissues around the joint are less disturbed than with open surgery, which can mean less pain and scarring. Many patients can go home the same day and begin guided rehabilitation sooner. Your surgeon will explain the exact steps planned for your elbow, and why arthroscopy is chosen over other options.
Elbow Arthroscopy Recovery
After elbow arthroscopy, you will have small dressings over the portal sites and may use a sling for comfort for a short time. You will receive instructions for wound care, pain control, and early motion exercises to reduce stiffness; gentle movement is important to protect joint mobility. Most patients begin a supervised physical therapy program within a few days to weeks, depending on the procedure performed.
Recovery time varies by the extent of the repair and your overall health. Many people return to light activities within a few weeks, while full return to heavy lifting or sports can take several months. Factors that can lengthen recovery include smoking, diabetes, poor nutrition, advanced arthritis, or the need for a larger repair during surgery. Your care team at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates will provide a personalized recovery plan and timelines based on your specific procedure.
Benefits and Possible Risks
Primary benefits of elbow arthroscopy include smaller incisions, less muscle and tissue trauma, less pain after surgery, quicker recovery compared with many open procedures, and the ability to both diagnose and treat problems in the same session. The procedure can improve motion, reduce pain from loose fragments or scar tissue, and help manage certain early arthritic changes in the joint.
As with any surgery, there are risks. These include infection, nerve or blood vessel injury near the elbow, persistent pain, stiffness, and blood clots. In some cases the procedure may not fully relieve symptoms, and additional treatment could be needed. Your surgeon will discuss risks specific to your health and the planned intervention.
Elbow Arthroscopy Patient Guidance
Before the procedure, your care team will give you instructions such as stopping certain medications that increase bleeding, arranging a ride home, and fasting if general anesthesia is planned. These instructions are general, and you should consult your surgeon or primary care provider for details that apply to you. Please follow the specific directions from Princeton Orthopaedic Associates to reduce risk and support recovery.
During recovery, expect to limit heavy lifting and overhead work for a period recommended by your surgeon, and plan for follow-up visits and physical therapy sessions. You may need to modify daily tasks and work duties temporarily to protect the healing joint. Following your post-op plan closely gives you the best chance for a good outcome.
Elbow Arthroscopy Quick FAQ's
How long is recovery after elbow arthroscopy? Most patients see improvement in weeks, but full recovery can take several months depending on the procedure and individual factors.
