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Updated: May 9, 2026
The Modified Single-working Portal Technique Using Lasso-loop Stitch with Needle for Arthroscopic Subscapularis Repair
Published on: August 8, 2025
Prevention of nerve injury during arthroscopic capsulectomy of the elbow utilizing a safety-driven strategy
Davide Blonna1, Jennifer Moriatis Wolf, James S Fitzsimmons
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, University of Turin Medical School, Largo Turati 62, Turin 10128, Italy.
Background:
A major factor limiting the use of elbow arthroscopy for contracture release is concern regarding nerve injury. The purpose of this report is to document the risk of nerve injury in a large series of arthroscopic contracture releases utilizing a safety-driven strategy.
Methods:
A series of 502 arthroscopic elbow contracture releases (including 388 osteocapsular arthroplasties) performed in 464 patients by one surgeon was reviewed retrospectively. The safety-driven step-wise strategy had been carried out in a standardized sequence: (1) Get In and Establish a View, (2) Create a Space in Which to Work, (3) Bone Removal, and (4) Capsulectomy. Neurologic complications were assessed and were followed until resolution.
Results:
No patient had a permanent nerve injury. Twenty-four patients (5%) had a transient nerve injury, associated with prolonged tourniquet time, cutaneous dysesthesia attributed to open incisions, simultaneous ulnar nerve transposition, or retractor use. All nerve deficits resolved after one day to twenty-four months, with one patient lost to follow-up.
Conclusions:
Utilizing the technique described, arthroscopic contracture release and debridement of the elbow was performed with a low risk of nerve injury.
Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic level III. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.