An elbow arthroscopy may be recommended to investigate or treat a number of issues within the elbow joint, or to diagnose the cause of pain in your hand or arm, such as tennis elbow, stiffness caused by arthritic conditions or an injury.
What is an elbow arthroscopy?
An elbow arthroscopy (also known as keyhole elbow surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside the elbow by using a thin tube with a camera that is inserted through small incisions in your skin, without the need to fully open the joint or make large incisions. Your surgeon can also treat some problems with small instruments during the procedure, such as repairing or removing torn tissue to help release stiffness.
What does an elbow arthroscopy involve?
The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about thirty minutes.
Your surgeon will usually make about two to four small incisions around the elbow joint. They will place a thin telescope (camera) through one of the incisions so they can examine the joint in detail and place surgical instruments through others if they need to treat any problems with the joint.
Information leaflet
This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
© EIDO Systems International
The operation and treatment information on this webpage is produced using information from EIDO Systems International and is licensed by Horder Healthcare. The information should not replace the advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Consultants that perform this procedure
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