Elbow Arthroscopy in Sports Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Elbow arthroscopy is a very useful modality in the diagnosis and treatment of athletic elbow injuries. Over the past decade, the indications for elbow arthroscopy have broadened to include loose body and osteophyte removal, synovectomy, joint contracture release, evaluation of undiagnosed elbow pain, evaluation and treatment of acute fractures, and diagnosis of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears. Advantages over open techniques include the ability to view the entire elbow joint and carry out treatment with minimal soft tissue dissection, low morbidity, and a rapid return of the athlete to competition. Complications may be avoided by an understanding of normal elbow anatomy and by use of meticulous arthroscopic technique. As the interest in elbow arthroscopy continues to expand, further indications will be delineated.