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Complications of elbow arthroscopy
E W Kelly1, B F Morrey, S W O'Driscoll
1Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Elbow arthroscopy has a higher rate of minor complications, like temporary nerve palsies, than previously thought. Serious complications are rare, with most minor issues resolving without lasting effects.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Complication Analysis
Background:
- Elbow arthroscopy is increasingly common for various joint conditions.
- Potential complications, including nerve injuries, are known but their prevalence is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of serious and minor complications in a large series of elbow arthroscopy patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with specific complications, particularly temporary nerve palsies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 473 elbow arthroscopies in 449 patients over 18 years.
- Analysis of complication rates and types, including infections, contractures, and nerve palsies.
- Statistical analysis to identify risk factors for complications.
Main Results:
- A serious complication (joint space infection) occurred in 0.8% of procedures.
- Minor complications occurred in 11% of procedures, including superficial infections and twelve transient nerve palsies.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and contracture were significant risk factors for temporary nerve palsy.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of temporary or minor complications after elbow arthroscopy may be higher than previously reported.
- Serious or permanent complications were uncommon in this large series.
- Most minor complications resolved without sequelae, indicating a generally safe procedure.