Arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery of the elbow.

Arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery of the elbow were performed in 45 cases of 3,300 arthroscopic procedures between 1974 through 1984. The indications established are: loose body removal, treatment of osteochondritis dissecans, synovectomy for non-specific and rheumatoid synovitis, treatment of some selected fractures, debridement of specific cases of degenerative arthritis, excision of osteophytes and for evaluation and treatment of the undiagnosed painful elbow. The choice of two different methods is described; one with the arm on an arm table as for hand surgery, and the other with the arm suspended overhead for easier access to the medial side. Normal arthroscopic anatomy of the elbow joint is described. The instruments have been classified as those most commonly used, those of special use, those instruments rarely or never used, and some special instruments introduced more recently. Eight approaches to the elbow joint for viewing and instrumentation are illustrated. The technique for entering the joint, distending and placing the scope, establishing drainage, probing and instrumentation is shown and illustrated. Immediate postoperative care and complications are shown. Seven representative cases are presented. Results of this small number of cases clearly indicate that there is a need for diagnostic and operative arthroscopy of the elbow.