Elbow arthroscopy treats loose bodies, osteophytes causing stiffness, chronic tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), early arthritis and synovitis. It's a minimally invasive day-care procedure with rapid recovery.
Common indications
Loose bodies causing locking, stiff elbow with bone spurs, persistent tennis elbow despite 6 months of conservative care, early osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid synovitis.
How the procedure works
Three to four small portals around the elbow are used. The arthroscope visualises both anterior and posterior compartments.
Loose bodies are removed, spurs are debrided, and inflamed synovium is excised.
Recovery
Patients go home the same day with a sling for 1–2 days. Light activity returns within a week, full work in 2–3 weeks.