Elbow Arthroscopy

On this page

Elbow Arthroscopy - Scope It Out!

  • Indications:
    • Loose body removal
    • Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
    • Synovitis (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis)
    • Articular cartilage defects
    • Stiff elbow (capsular release)
    • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) - debridement
    • Posterior impingement
  • Contraindications:
    • Active infection
    • Severe bony ankylosis
    • Previous ulnar nerve transposition (relative)
    • Inadequate soft tissue envelope

⭐ Loose body removal is the most common indication for elbow arthroscopy.

📌 Mnemonic (Portals): "ALAS, My Poor Posterior Elbow" (Anterolateral, Anteromedial, Proximal Medial, Posterior, Posterolateral, Soft spot portal).

Elbow Arthroscopy - Joint Navigation

PortalLoc.RiskView
PAM2cm prox, 1-2cm ant. med. epicondyleMedian n., Brachial a. 📌 M&MAnt. joint, coronoid, rad. head
PAL1-2cm prox, 1cm ant. lat. epicondyleRadial n. (PIN) 📌 R&LAnt. joint, capitellum, rad. head
Direct Lat.Soft spot (lat. epi, rad. head, olecranon)PIN (less risk)Radiocapitellar jt., annular lig.
PosteroLat.3cm prox. olecranon (straight)Ulnar n. (keep >1cm)Olecranon fossa, post. compart.

Elbow Arthroscopy - Inside Job

Key arthroscopic procedures performed inside the elbow joint:

  • Loose Body Removal
    • Extraction of chondral, osteochondral, or bony fragments causing mechanical symptoms (locking, pain).
    • Commonly found in radiocapitellar joint or olecranon fossa.
  • Osteophyte Debridement
    • Resection of impinging osteophytes, typically anterior (coronoid) or posterior (olecranon).
    • Improves range of motion in flexion and extension.
  • Synovectomy
    • Removal of inflamed synovial tissue.
    • Indications: Inflammatory arthropathies (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis), pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), symptomatic plica.
  • Capsular Release
    • For arthrofibrosis/post-traumatic stiffness.
    • Anterior capsular release improves flexion; posterior release improves extension.
    • Target: Achieve functional arc of motion, often >100°.
  • OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans) Management
    • Treatment depends on lesion stability, size, and patient age.
    • Options: Retrograde drilling, antegrade drilling, microfracture, fragment fixation, or debridement.

Arthroscopic OCD Management Algorithm:

⭐ Arthroscopic capsular release for post-traumatic elbow stiffness is highly effective, targeting anterior (for flexion) and posterior (for extension) capsule, aiming for >100° functional motion arc.

Elbow Arthroscopy - Danger Zones

  • Neurological Risks (Transient palsy ~5-10%):
    • Ulnar N.: Most common; posteromedial/direct posterior portals. Prevent: elbow flexion >90°.
    • Radial N.: Anterolateral portal. Prevent: portal distal/anterior to lat. epicondyle.
    • Median N./AIN: Anteromedial portal. Prevent: portal anterior to med. epicondyle.
    • PIN: Proximal anterolateral portal.
    • MABCN: Anteromedial portal.
  • Vascular Risks: Brachial, radial arteries.
  • General Prevention: Know safe zones; blunt dissection; maintain distension.

⭐ The ulnar nerve is the most commonly injured nerve during elbow arthroscopy, especially with posteromedial or direct posterior portals.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Key Indications: Loose bodies, OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans), synovitis, contracture release, and refractory epicondylitis.
  • Portal Safety: Anteromedial (median n., brachial a.), Anterolateral (radial n.), Posterolateral (radial n./PIN).
  • Ulnar nerve is highly vulnerable, especially with posterior or posteromedial approaches.
  • Most frequent complication: Nerve injury (ulnar, radial, median).
  • Effective for septic arthritis lavage and synovectomy in RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis).
  • Contraindications include severe bony block and active overlying skin infection.
Rezzy AI Tutor

Have doubts about this lesson?

Ask Rezzy, our AI tutor, to explain anything you didn't understand

Practice Questions: Elbow Arthroscopy

Test your understanding with these related questions

The anterior humeral line and radiocapitellar alignment are most commonly disturbed in -

1 of 5

Flashcards: Elbow Arthroscopy

1/4

Treatment of myositis ossificans if elbow movement is not restored involves _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Treatment of myositis ossificans if elbow movement is not restored involves _____

surgical excision

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start For Free