Elbow Arhtroscopy

Elbow Arhtroscopy Overview

Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a variety of elbow conditions and injuries. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialists use the latest surgical techniques and instruments to perform procedures. Please make an appointment if you injure your elbow and would like to find out if elbow arthroscopy is the right treatment option for you.

How is elbow arthroscopy surgery performed?

Elbow arthroscopy is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. A CONA elbow specialist:

  1. Begins surgery. An arthroscope is carefully guided into the elbow joint.
  2. Performs surgery. Damaged soft tissue and bone are surgically repaired.
  3. Ends surgery. Removeable sutures close the skin. A sterile dressing and ACE bandage are placed on the surgical site.

Total procedure time depends on the type of procedure performed. Procedures may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. A CONA elbow specialist lets the patient know about how long the procedure will take during a consultation.

What conditions can elbow arthroscopy treat?

A CONA elbow specialist recommends elbow arthroscopy to treat:

  • Inflammation
  • Ligament tears
  • Loose bodies
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tendon tears
  • Scar tissue

A CONA elbow specialist may also perform elbow arthroscopy for diagnostic purposes.

What are elbow arthroscopy advantages?

Elbow arthroscopy is minimally invasive so no large muscles are cut. Key advantages include:

  • Minimal surgical trauma
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Better physical therapy response
  • Faster recovery

What is elbow arthroscopy recovery like?

Elbow arthroscopy is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients return home shortly after their procedures when they are alert and awake and discomfort is controlled. Recovery depends on the procedure performed. A CONA elbow specialist lets the patient know exactly what to expect during recovery during a consultation.

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