Abstract

Elbow arthroscopy is growing in importance as a minimally invasive procedure directed at detecting and treating various pathologies affecting the elbow. We report our indications and results with this technique. With a mean follow-up of 6 years, a group of 24 patients out of 35 who consecutively underwent elbow arthroscopy over a 12-year period were retrospectively evaluated. We analysed the indications, the arthroscopic procedures, post-operative results and complications. The primary outcome was evaluated using the DASH questionnaire. Pain and function were evaluated as secondary outcomes by mean of visual analogic scales. The mean postoperative DASH score, expressed in normative value was 56.01. The pain and function scores were 2.60 and 6.92 out of 10.00 respectively. In our experience, elbow arthroscopy appears as a safe and effective technique. No permanent complication was observed. Our patients treated by elbow arthroscopy showed a good post-operative function and minimal residual pain.