Arthroscopic treatment of posterior impingement of the elbow in athletes: a medium-term follow-up in sixteen cases.

HYPOTHESIS

Evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of posterior impingement in the athletes elbow.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

16 elbows were included. An arthroscopic debridement of the posterior fossa of the elbow was performed. All Patients were evaluated preoperatively and after an average of 38 (30-53) months using range of motion, the Modified Andrews Elbow Scoring System (MAESS), VAS in rest and after provocation.

RESULTS

The average flexion increased from 138 degrees to 140 degrees . The extension deficit of 8 degrees preoperatively increased to a deficit of average 2 degrees (P < 0.05). The MAESS increased from average preoperative to excellent postoperative (P < 0.05). The average VAS in rest decreased from 3 to 0 and during sporting activities the VAS decreased from 7 to 2 (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In this series, arthroscopic debridement of the posterior fossa in athletes with posterior impingement is a procedure that showed excellent mid term results and can therefore be recommended.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4; Retrospective case series, no control group.