[Diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy of the elbow joint]

The anatomical structure of the elbow joint makes arthroscopy markedly more difficult, as compared with the knee joint or shoulder. This is confirmed also by the small number of hithero published work. The limitation of inspection of the elbow joint ensues from the firm articular capsule and restricted intraarticular space. This leads to difficult manipulation of optical and other instruments in the limited visual field. The position of neurovascular structures in the vicinity of the surgical approach increases the demands of surgical technique.