Arthroscopy for limitation of motion of the elbow.

Twenty-five patients with limitation of motion of the elbow joint caused by the intraarticular pathologies were treated with the following arthroscopic procedures: removal of loose bodies, excision of osteophytes, anterior capsular release, abrasion arthroplasty, and partial excision of the radial head. The extension of the elbow improved by 7 degrees, from a preoperative average of 21 degrees to a postoperative average of 14 degrees. The flexion of the elbow improved by 17 degrees, from a preoperative average of 113 degrees to a postoperative average of 130 degrees. The total range of motion improved by 24 degrees, from a preoperative average of 92 degrees to a postoperative average of 116 degrees. The average score of the Elbow Rating Scale of Morrey improved from a preoperative value of 2.8 to a postoperative value of 4.6. Twenty-three patients (92%) were satisfied with their results. Arthroscopy of the elbow is an effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for the limitation of motion caused by the intraarticular problems with minimal morbidity and rapid functional recovery.