Elbow Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The procedure involves making a small incision in the skin and inserting a pencil-sized camera into an injured or damaged joint. The arthroscope’s tiny camera and instrumentation allow Dr. Samimi to see inside the joint in a magnified and illuminated manner to accurately diagnose and effectively treat the condition. Dr. Samimi specializes in the treatment of complex and routine elbow problems that may be treated with arthroscopic techniques.

Technological advances such as high definition monitors and high resolution cameras have made arthroscopy a very effective tool for treating a variety of elbow problems.

Arthroscopy is almost always performed as outpatient surgery and offers such benefits as reduced risk, fewer complications, less postoperative pain, less recovery time, and far less scarring. Using this minimally invasive procedure we can perform a variety of elbow surgeries.

• Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
• Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
• Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• Restoration of Cartilage (Capitellar OCD)
• Release of Elbow Contracture (Capsular Release)
• Elbow Arthritis
• Impingement
  

What happens during the procedure?

Dr. Samimi uses arthroscopy to feel, repair or remove damaged tissue.

First, we examine your elbow with the arthroscope. The arthroscope is inserted into your elbow through a small incision large enough to fit the small camera. The arthroscope is connected to a video monitor in the operating room. All the tissues of your elbow joint -- the cartilage, capsule and ligaments are inspected.

Once a thorough understanding of the problem is obtained, damaged tissues are either removed or repaired. To do this, small surgical instruments such as scissors, graspers, or motorized shavers are inserted into the elbow joint through these same small incisions. Usually 2 to 3 small incisions are all that are needed in elbow arthroscopy.

The procedure usually lasts an hour depending on the findings and the treatment necessary.

At the end of the surgery, your incisions will be closed with stitches and covered with a dressing (bandage). Almost all arthroscopic elbow surgery is done on an outpatient basis. Typically you will go home the same day followed by a course of physical therapy. You may be placed in a splint or a bandage for a week.

Recovery
Recovery from elbow arthroscopy is much faster than recovery from traditional open elbow surgery. Still, it is important to follow your orthopaedic surgeon's instructions carefully after you return home.

Therapeutic exercise will play an important role in how well you recover. A formal physical therapy program may improve your final result.