[Treatment of elbow dysfunction under elbow arthroscopy]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Arthroscopy
• Elbow Biomechanics

Context:

• Chronic elbow dysfunction significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Traditional surgical interventions carry risks of substantial trauma and complications.
• Arthroscopic techniques offer a less invasive alternative for managing complex joint conditions.

Purpose:

• To assess the early clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for elbow dysfunction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic release and debridement in improving elbow range of motion and reducing pain.
• To determine the complication rate associated with arthroscopic elbow surgery.

Summary:

• Twenty-one patients with chronic elbow dysfunction and extension lag underwent five-portal arthroscopic release and debridement.
• Postoperatively, patients experienced significant improvement in extension (average lag reduced from 18.2° to 2.4°) and pain relief.
• Mayo assessment scores improved dramatically, with 17 patients achieving excellent and 4 good results, and no complications reported.

Impact:

• Arthroscopic surgery offers a minimally invasive option for elbow dysfunction, reducing trauma and bleeding.
• This technique, combined with appropriate rehabilitation, significantly enhances elbow function and patient outcomes.
• The findings support arthroscopic surgery as a satisfactory management strategy for chronic elbow dysfunction.