What is an Elbow Arthroscopy?
Elbow Arthroscopy is better known as 'keyhole surgery' and
allows your surgeon to look inside your elbow through a camera
inserted through a small cut in the skin. This allows a
diagnosis and treatment of any problems using special designed
surgical instruments - often at the same time.
What does this involve?
Elbow Arthroscopy is usually done as a day case done under
general anaesthetic and takes around thirty minutes.
Your surgeon will use a small frame to support your arm and will
inject fluid into the joint to help them perform athe
operation. Yopu will usually wear a tourniquet (tight strap)
around your arm to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Your surgeon will usually make two to four small cuts about half
a centimetre long around the elbow. A small camera
will be inserted through one or more
ofthe cuts and
examine the inside of your elbow. Your surgeon should be able
to treat any problems without needing to make a larger cut and
close the skin with stitches or sticky strips.
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When will I recover?
As you are admitted as a day case, you would normally be able to
go home on the same day. You will have a bandage on your
elbow for two to three days, and it is common for the elbow to feel
slightly swollen for a few weeks. You may need painkillers
and your Physiotherapist will give you some exercises to help you
get back to normal living. You may need to take a week off
work and driving.
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What risks should I know about?
Elbow Arthroscopy is an extremely safe procedure but there is a
small risk of complications which can include:
- Bleeding into the joint causing swelling and pain. This
may need s further arthroscopy to wash out the joint
- Infection in the joint which can be treated with
antibiotics
- Damage to nerves around the joint leading to weakness, numbness
or pain. This usually settles on its own but may be
permanent.
- Damage to the radial nerve which passes close to the elbow
leading to weakness in the muscles that straighten the fingers.
This usually settles on its own but may be permanent.
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Circle care
Elbow Arthroscopy is carried out in our specialist unit at
CircleBath where our surgeons have created a centre of
excellence. You can be sure of state of the art facilities
and the best possible care.
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