Elbow arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat various disorders affecting the elbow joint. Some of the common disorders treated with elbow arthroscopy include:

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition involves degeneration of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow.  Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive approach to debriding or repairing this tissue to relieve pain and restore function.
• Elbow Stiffness: Arthroscopy can be used to release scar tissue or adhesions that limit movement in the elbow joint.  Some patients with elbow stiffness also have bone spurs that block motion.  Elbow arthroscopy can be used to remove these bone spurs to improve motion. 
• Osteoarthritis: Arthroscopy may help in removing loose fragments of cartilage or bone within the joint, to smooth out rough surfaces and to remove bone spurs.  This can help reduce pain and improve motion in elbow osteoarthritis.
• Loose Bodies: Small pieces of bone or cartilage that may be floating within the joint space can be removed through arthroscopic surgery.
• Elbow Fractures: Some types of elbow fractures can be treated using arthroscopic techniques to assist in fracture reduction and fixation.
• Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joint can be addressed through arthroscopic techniques.  Synovitis can cause pain, swelling, and popping.  Removal of this inflammatory tissue can relieve these symptoms.
• Elbow Instability: Arthroscopy can assist in diagnosing and treating conditions that cause elbow instability, such as ligament tears.

Elbow arthroscopy is generally considered less invasive compared to open surgery, offering advantages such as smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and potentially less postoperative pain. Treatment options can vary depending on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition.  At Total Orthopedics we have experts in elbow arthroscopy who can diagnose and treat your elbow problem in a minimally invasive way helping to relieve pain and restore function.