[Arthroscopy of the elbow: diagnostic and therapeutic approaches]

The elbow is one of the most complex joints of the human body. Bony, ligamentous and muscular constraints ensure elbow stability. During recent years elbow arthroscopy has become more and more popular resulting from technical and surgical innovations. The diagnostic and therapeutic elbow arthroscopy following traumatic elbow dislocation is the best example. Functional outcomes after elbow dislocation significantly depend on sufficient evaluation of elbow stability, possible accompanying soft tissue injuries and on the initiation of adequate therapy. Elbow arthroscopy after traumatic elbow dislocation allows visualization of ligament ruptures and cartilaginous lesions, the resection of loose bodies and flushing of the hemarthrosis. Moreover, elbow stability can be tested directly. Concerning therapy, elbow arthroscopy represents an additional diagnostic tool and an aid for possible surgical procedures. In this article the basic requirements and special techniques for elbow arthroscopy are described. Using the examples of an elbow dislocation and arthrofibrosis, arthroscopical standard views, arthroscopical stability test and arthroscopical arthrolysis are explained.