Arthroscopy of the elbow: anatomy, portal sites, and a description of the proximal lateral portal.

Cadaveric studies were carried out to evaluate the safety and value of the standard portals used in elbow arthroscopy. The dissections were performed in 12 fresh cadaveric specimens. Each portal was assessed in terms of its safety with respect to nearby important structures. A proximal lateral portal was evaluated and has subsequently been used in 62 patients. A straight posterior (transhumeral) portal was also studied. We have found that in arthroscopy of the elbow joint, the proximal approaches (proximal medial and proximal lateral), are safer than the anteromedial and anterolateral approaches. All areas of the anterior compartment can be visualized using these two portals, and we recommend that they be the standard anterior portals used in elbow arthroscopy. All of the posterior approaches are safe.