Elbow arthroscopy

Many surgeons avoid performing elbow arthroscopy because the elbow's unique anatomy and proximity to multiple neurovascular structures make it a technically demanding procedure with the potential for complications. However, recent advances in surgical technique and equipment have made arthroscopy easier and safer to perform and have expanded the indications for arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of elbow disorders. Careful patient selection, examination, and portal placement are critical to minimizing the potential for complications. Other techniques to decrease the incidence of complications from elbow arthroscopy include accurate preoperative outlining of anatomic landmarks, appropriate joint distention achieved by placing the patient's elbow in 90 degrees of flexion before portal placement, and the use of retractors to protect nerves and to maintain visualization and control of instruments during the procedure.