Will Regional Nerve Block Injections Be Used?
A regional anesthetic may be provided to assist with pain control once your surgeon completes your nerve examination.
Are There Various Forms of Elbow Arthroscopy?
Yes, there are various procedures used to perform elbow arthroscopy, depending on the need and condition. Some of these common arthroscopic procedures include:
Joint Capsule Repair
Sometimes a loose capsule of the elbow may cause pain, instability, and even weakness. This procedure will tighten the loose capsule by reattaching the loose parts back to the bone.
Sometimes the opposite occurs and a tight capsule causes pain, stiffness, and a decreased ability to move. In this case, a joint capsule release would be used to remove pieces of the capsule.
Bone Spur Removal
In severe cases of elbow osteoarthritis, bone-on-bone rubbing can occur. The formation of bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) is very likely. These bone spurs can be smoothed down to reduce friction and irritation.
Debris Removal
Whether it’s from osteoarthritis or an injury, both can cause the cartilage in your elbow joint to tear. This can be painful and limit movement. During this form of elbow arthroscopy, small instruments are used to remove all the torn cartilage.
Risk Factors of Elbow Arthroscopic Surgery
As with all surgeries, whether minimally invasive or not, there can be some risks.
While the risks for elbow arthroscopic surgery are low, studies have shown that there is a higher risk with this procedure than arthroscopy of the shoulder and knee joints, and they can include:
- Possible injury to the soft tissues surrounding articular cartilage and structures of your elbow joint
- Potential nerve damage near your elbow joint
- Possible infection
- Possible blood clots
- The possibility that the pain or discomfort may not be completely removed after the procedure
Benefits of Elbow Arthroscopic Surgery
Although there are some risks, the benefits may outweigh the risks in your case. Some of the benefits of elbow arthroscopic surgery include:
- Less invasive than traditional open-arm surgeries
- Reduces the chance of soft tissue disruption and trauma
- Minor scarring
- Reduced pain postoperatively
- Lower infection rates
- Accelerated healing
- Resuming activities within a shorter period
Recovery After Elbow Arthroscopy Surgery
Generally, wounds will heal within a few days. However, you may still feel discomfort for about two weeks after your procedure.
The time frame for returning to your normal activity level will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. A minor repair would require less healing time than more complicated procedures.
It has been noticed that most are able to return to these activities within a few days. More strenuous activities may take a few weeks before they can be resumed.
