What is it?

Elbow arthroscopy is keyhole surgery in the elbow. You might require arthroscopy surgery if you suffer from one of the elbow conditions below:

• Arthritis
• Stiffness
• Elbow fractures
• Loose bodies in the joint
• Tennis elbow

Fractures and other injuries to the elbow can lead to stiffness of the joint. Stiff, contracted elbows can be released via elbow arthroscopy. Although not curable by arthroscopy, patients suffering with arthritis can enjoy significant improvement in symptoms and elbow function after arthroscopy.

Diagnosis and treatment options

Your consultant will examine you and ask you to demonstrate certain movements to check how well your elbow is working.

You might need some additional tests:

• X-ray
• CT scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic (you are asleep for the procedure) as a daycase which means you can go home the same day. A fibre optic camera is inserted through a small incision in the elbow. The camera allows the surgeon to accurately diagnose the condition. Several other mini incisions are made around the elbow to allow the surgeon to place the camera in different positions to see different structures inside the joint and to place small instruments into the joint to help treat various problems.