What is elbow arthroscopy?
An elbow arthroscopy is a common type of minimally invasive surgery used to treat a wide range of elbow injuries and conditions. Elbow arthroscopy is a safe surgical technique that results in minimal interruption to surrounding tissues, less scaring, and lower infection risk, with a faster recovery time compared to open elbow surgeries. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic elbow surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have an elbow condition and are candidates for elbow arthroscopy.
Why would I need an arthroscopy for my elbow?
Elbow injuries are common in patients that regularly engage in sporting activities such as tennis, golf, baseball, volleyball, or other activities that place great stress on the arm. Elbow conditions are also common in patients with repetitive overuse, such as manual laborers, due to wear and tear of certain elbow structures. Sometimes these injuries can be treated with rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, injections, or physical therapy. However, some injuries result in torn ligaments or significant damage to the joint which require surgical intervention. Elbow arthroscopy is commonly recommended in these cases of painful loose bone or cartilage fragments, elbow arthritis, and certain other conditions when nonsurgical treatments fail to alleviate painful symptoms.
How is elbow arthroscopy done?
During an elbow arthroscopy, Dr. Lamplot will create small surgical incisions near the elbow joint. These incisions will act as an access point that will allow him to use a small surgical camera, known as an arthroscope, to see into the elbow joint and visualize the tear or injury. This camera allows the surgeon to view the injury from many angles and magnifies the size of small elbow structures, allowing him to tailor the treatment to the patient’s specific injury. The camera can also allow for a better, more precise diagnosis to be made, as it allows the surgeon to truly see inside the joint. Dr. Lamplot will also use small, specialized surgical tools to perform the treatment on the elbow. The small incisions used to perform the elbow arthroscopy will then be closed using surgical sutures that dissolve on their own. Typically, elbow arthroscopy is performed as an outpatient surgery, meaning the patient will be able to return home on the same day the surgery is performed.
How long does it take to recover from elbow arthroscopy?
Recovery from elbow arthroscopy is typically quicker than other types of open surgeries where the joint is fully exposed with a larger incision. Full recovery is based on a variety of factors including the severity of the initial injury or condition, compliance with post-operative protocols, and participation in physical therapy regimens. Typically, patients will need to wear an elbow brace or splint for 1 to 2 weeks immediately following elbow arthroscopy. Movement of the elbow is limited during this time to allow the structures of the joint to heal properly. Then, range of motion and strength training exercises may be slowly introduced. Some patients, such as baseball pitchers, may be required to participate in additional physical therapy training to allow them to strengthen their elbow to ensure they can pitch to minimize risk of re-injury. Dr. Lamplot will guide each patient through their surgery recovery timeline, including proper post-operative protocols, based on the type of interventions done during surgery.
What elbow conditions can be treated with elbow arthroscopy or non-invasive elbow surgery?
Dr. Lamplot can treat the following elbow conditions arthroscopically:
- Removal of loose cartilage or bone fragments
- Limited motion/pain secondary to arthritis
- Cartilage repair or restoration
