Elbow Arthroscopy Research Articles

The Needle-and-Knife Technique: A Safe Technique for Anterolateral Portal Placement in Elbow Arthroscopy.

Background:Safe and effective portal placement is crucial for successful elbow arthroscopy. Various techniques for anterolateral portal placement in elbow arthroscopy have been described, yet radial nerve injuries are commonly reported.Purpose:To report on the technique and safety of anterolateral portal placement by the needle-and-knife method and its clinical applications.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A retrospective review was completed of patients who underwent an arthroscopic procedure in the anterior compartment of the elbow and anterolateral portal placement. Patients were evaluated immediately postoperatively and at subsequent visits and were monitored for signs of radial nerve injury.Results:A total of 460 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 309 (67%) underwent the needle-and-knife technique. There was 1 case (0.3%) of temporary radial nerve palsy. For the remaining 151 patients who underwent anterolateral portal placement by other techniques, there were 2 cases of temporary radial nerve palsy (1.3%). There were no cases of the needle-and-knife technique being unsuccessful or abandoned in lieu of a different technique. Use of the needle-and-knife technique increased over time with experience and practice. Initially, contraindications to this technique included impaired view of the lateral side of the anterior compartment of the elbow caused by severe intra-articular scar (65%), extensive synovitis (10%), or large osteophytes or loose bodies (10%). For the remaining patients (15%) who did not have portals placed via the needle-and-knife technique, alternate techniques were used for teaching purposes.Conclusion:The needle-and-knife technique is reproducible and easy to perform by a clinician instructed in its use and trained in elbow arthroscopy. Its main advantage is that it permits the surgeon to safely slide the knife along the lateral supracondylar ridge, releasing the scarred capsule and thereby increasing the available space in which to work. Enlarging the working space inside scarred and contracted elbows cannot be accomplished by distending the capsule.

Pain, function, and patient satisfaction after arthroscopic treatment of elbow in a retrospective series with minimum of 5-year follow-up.

The clinical indications for elbow arthroscopic procedures have expanded through last decades. The aim of the study was to assess the functional results and patient satisfaction after arthroscopic treatment of various elbow conditions after a minimum 5-year follow-up. We conducted a retrospective study of a consecutive patient cohort who had undergone unilateral elbow arthroscopy between 2008 and 2010. The main outcomes were Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and a specific patient-reported outcome measure questionnaire after a minimum 5-year follow-up. In total, there were 93 patients in the cohort with different diagnoses. Majority of patients were suffering from elbow osteoarthrosis. After the average follow-up of 72 months (range 60-96 months), the response rate was 67%. Eighty two percent of patients were satisfied with the pain relief and locking of the elbow was relieved in 70% of patients. Elbow range of motion (ROM) improved in 80% of the 55 patients who had a limited ROM before the operation. The overall patient satisfaction after elbow arthroscopic treatment was good. There were no differences in median DASH score between patients with or without post-traumatic condition, but the median DASH score for patients who had severe (grade 3) osteoarthrosis before the operation was significantly worse. There were no major complications reported in this cohort. Arthroscopic treatment of various elbow conditions was associated with good patient satisfaction and reduced symptoms without major complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Performance control after arthroscopic arthrolysis with capsulectomy in fresh-frozen elbow joints

Posttraumatic or postoperative movement restrictions in elbow joints can often occur (including capsular contracture) and can generate everyday limitations. In persistent elbow stiffness, arthroscopic arthrolysis with removal of the dorsal and ventral capsule portions can be carried out. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of arthroscopic capsulectomy by means of an in vitro anatomical study. Astandardized elbow arthroscopy with ventral and dorsal capsulectomy was performed and image-documented in fivefresh-frozen elbow specimens. Subsequently, open dissection of the elbow joint was performed to analyze the amount of residual capsule by means of photodocumentation of the specimens. Regardless of the surgeon and surgical experience, anterior and posterior remnants of the capsule remained in all specimens. Dorsal capsule strands around the standard arthroscopy portals were noticed particularly more often in the area of the high dorsolateral camera portal. An incomplete capsulectomy was seen on the ulnar side at the level of the posterior medial ligament (PML) in the immediate vicinity of the ulnar nerve. Ventrally, acapsulectomy was performed from the radial side and also the ulnar side until the brachialis muscle and additionally acomplete capsulectomy as far as the anterior medial ligament (AML) and radial collateral ligament (RCL) was achieved. The capsule was completely resected in a proximal direction. Distally, irrelevant capsular remnants were found in the region of the annular ligament and distal of the tip of the coronoid process. Arthroscopic arthrolysis can be performed with ahigh degree of radicality. The radicality must be self-critically taken into account in one's own action. The radicality of the portal change may even be higher ventrally than with an isolated column procedure. On the other hand, it must be critically considered that posteriorly, the PML cannot be adequately addressed by means of arthroscopy due to the risk of ulnar nerve injury. Portal changes might help to enable amore complete visualization of the joint capsule and may avoid leaving possibly relevant remnants of the capsule. If arelease of the PML is required, this may have to be carried out in combination with an ulnar nerve release in a mini-open technique.

A 360° axial contact arc for fixation of radial head fractures can be reached combining anteromedial, anterolateral and midlateral arthroscopic portals

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the effective working space in the axial plane of three different elbow arthroscopy portals to fix radial head (Rh) fractures. Background Arthroscopic fixation of Rh fractures is an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation, which presents the advantage of minimal surgical trauma. Methods A fresh-frozen cadaver specimen was obtained and prepared to mimic an arthroscopic setting. Standard anterolateral (AL), anteromedial (AM), and midlateral (ML) portals were established and circular reference system was marked on the Rh using the radial styloid as an anatomic reference for 0°. Ten independent examiners were then asked to move the forearm from maximal supination to maximal pronation and indicate with a K-wire the range in which they would feel confident with placing a cannulated screw, which would pass through the centre of the articular plane of the Rh (axial contact arc). This process was repeated from all three portals by each examiner. Every examiner remained blinded to other examiners’ measurements. Results The average axial contact arc that could be contacted from the AM portal measured 150 ± 14.14°, or 41.67% of the Rh circumference, while the one from the AL portal measured 257 ± 29.46°, or 71.39% of the Rh circumference, and that from the ML portal 212.5 ± 32.60°, or 59.03% of the Rh circumference. Considering all three portals, the whole Rh circumference could be contacted. The AM portal showed the smallest coefficient of variation (9.43%) as compared to the AL (11.46%), and the ML (15.34%) portals. Conclusions With an appropriate use of the standard AL, AM, and ML portals, the whole Rh circumference can be effectively contacted for fixation of Rh fractures. The AL portal shows a superiority in axial contact arc as compared to the AM and ML portals; the working space of the AM portal presents the smallest variability among different observers.

Outcomes and factors of elbow arthroscopy upon returning to sports for throwing athletes with osteoarthritis

BackgroundElbow arthroscopy had good functional outcome for throwing athletes. Returning to sports is a major concern for all athletes, but only a few reports have investigated the clinical factors related to the duration of returning to sports. The present study evaluates the efficacy of elbow arthroscopic surgery on throwing elbows with osteoarthritis and defines the clinical factors related to the duration of the returning to sports.MethodsThis was a retrospective study with fifteen active baseball throwing athletes with elbow osteoarthritis who were treated with elbow arthroscopy. Perioperative clinical factors were analyzed for functional outcomes. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the clinical factors associated with the duration of returning to training and sports.ResultsThe 15 patients’ mean age was 27 years. The mean follow-up time was 2.6 years. The mean procedural complexity was 3.1 ± 1.6 (range 1–6). The elbow total range of motion (ROM) improved significantly from 100.7 ± 28.7° to 125.7 ± 18.5° (p = 0.001). The terminal flexion range of the elbow increased significantly from 116.0 ± 22.6° to 130.0 ± 13.2° (p = 0.001), and the terminal extension range improved from 15.3 ± 11.1° to 4.3 ± 5.9° (p = 0.001). Before the operation, the average subjective patient outcome for return to sports (SPORTS) score was 3.4 ± 1.5, which increased significantly to 9.67 ± 0.45 (p = 0.003) at the last follow-up. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher procedural complexity hinders the athletes from returning to competition.ConclusionsElbow arthroscopy offered highly satisfactory results in the throwing elbows of elite athletes and significantly improved the range of motion and SPORTS score. The procedural complexity was significantly related to the duration of returning to competition. Early and aggressive arthroscopic intervention is recommended for elite throwing athletes with elbow osteoarthritis who fail to respond to conservative treatment.

Force measurement metrics for simulated elbow arthroscopy training

BackgroundElbow arthroscopy is a difficult surgical technique. Objective metrics can be used to improve safe and effective training in elbow arthroscopy. Force exerted on the elbow tissue during arthroscopy can be a measure of safe tissue manipulation. The purpose of this study was to determine the force magnitude and force direction used by experts during arthroscopic elbow navigation in cadaveric specimens and assess their applicability in elbow arthroscopy training.MethodsTwo cadaveric elbows were mounted on a Force Measurement Table (FMT) that allowed 3-dimensional measurements (x-, y-, and z-plane) of the forces exerted on the elbow. Five experts in elbow arthroscopy performed arthroscopic navigation once in each of two cadaveric elbows, navigating through the posterior, posterolateral and anterior compartment in a standardized fashion with visualization of three to four anatomic landmarks per compartment. The total absolute force (Fabs) and force direction exerted (α and β) on the elbow during arthroscopy were recorded. α being the angle in the horizontal plane and β being the angle in the vertical plane. The 10th–90th percentiles of the data were used to set threshold levels for training.ResultsThe median Fabs was 24 N (19 N – 30 N), 27 N (20 N – 33 N) and 29 N (23 N – 32 N) for the posterior, posterolateral and anterior compartment, respectively. The median α was - 29° (- 55° – 5°), - 23° (- 56° – -1°) and 4° (- 22° – -18°) for the posterior, posterolateral and anterior compartment, respectively. The median β was - 71° (- 80° – -65°), - 76° (- 86° – -69°) and - 75° (- 81° – -71°) for the posterior, posterolateral and anterior compartment, respectively.ConclusionExpert data on force magnitude and force direction exerted on the elbow during arthroscopic navigation in cadaveric specimens were collected. The proposed maximum allowable force of 30 N (smallest 90th percentile of Fabs) exerted on the elbow tissue, and the 10th–90th percentile range of the force directions (α and β) for each compartment may be used to provide objective feedback during arthroscopic skills training.

Arthroscopic management of elbow synovial chondromatosis.

Objective:We aimed to identify factors that affect pain, complications, and function following elbow arthroscopy for elbow synovial chondromatosis.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the cases of all patients with elbow synovial chondromatosis treated by arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal between January 2000 and January 2016 at our institution. Eleven patients were enrolled (8 male; mean age, 41.7 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 13.7 months, and all patients had a decreased range of motion (ROM) in the affected elbow. By Milgram criteria, there was 1 phase II case, and 10 cases were phase III.Results:All patients were followed postoperatively (mean follow-up, 65 months). The preoperatively restricted ROM of 100° flexion (range, 78°–120°) and extension of 30° (range, 15°–40°) were improved to 130° flexion (range, 120°–140°) and −5° hyperextension (range, −10°–0°). Pain, recorded as the pain subscore of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire for elbows, was significantly improved from 32 points (range, 20–50) preoperatively to 85 (range, 70–100) postoperatively (on a scale ranging from 0 [worst pain] to 100 [pain-free]). Recurrence occurred in 2 patients (18.2%) who then received arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal again. There were no fractures or neurovascular complications, and no patient developed an infection.Conclusion:Arthroscopic management of synovial chondromatosis of the elbow was an effective and safe therapeutic method. After the intervention, immediate and durable improvement of elbow function can be expected.

Arthroscopic Elbow Contracture Release in the Pediatric Patient.

Elbow contracture is a sequelae of elbow trauma in pediatric patients. Arthroscopic contracture release has been shown to provide equivalent results to open contracture release with less associated morbidity and complications in the adult population. However, open contracture release is still commonly utilized in pediatric patients. The goal of this study is to determine the clinical results and safety profile of arthroscopic elbow contracture release in the pediatric population. A retrospective review of all patients 18 years of age and younger who underwent arthroscopic elbow contracture release was performed. Demographic statistics, indication for surgery, preoperative and postoperative flexion-extension and pronation-supination range of motion, and all complications were recorded and analyzed. Twenty-five patients were identified as having undergone 29 arthroscopic elbow contracture releases. The most common index injury was elbow contracture after radial head fracture. The flexion-extension arc of motion improved from 93.0±39.9 degrees to 128.0±19.2 degrees for a total improvement of 35.2 degrees (P=0.0002), whereas the pronation-supination arc of motion improved from 141.0±58.6 degrees to 153±49.3 degrees for a total improvement of 12.2 degrees (P=0.097). There were 7 total complications. Arthroscopic elbow contracture release allows for restoration of range of motion with an acceptable safety profile and can be considered as a less invasive alternative to open contracture release in the pediatric population. Level IV.

Treatment of obstinate tennis elbow by debridement and repair under elbow arthroscopy combined with small incision

To evaluate the effectivity and the improvement of elbow arthroscopic techniques of treating obstinate tennis elbow using debridement and repair under elbow arthroscopy combined with small incision. From March 2014 to February 2017, 36 patients(total 36 elbows) with obstinate tennis elbow were treated consecutively using debridement and repair under elbow arthroscopy combined with small incision open, the two methods alternate. In key process, the first 18 cases [group A including 8 males and 12 females with an average age of (43.89±9.71) years old, the treatment time was(17.39±10.53) months] used direct-looking operation and arthroscopic verification, the latter 18 cases[group B including 7 males and 11 females with an averave age of (44.28±8.04) years old, the treatment time was(15.50±9.18) months] used arthroscopic operation and direct-looking verification. The arthroscopic and gross pathological findings were observed during the operation. After operation serious neurovascular complications were observed. The operation time was compared between two groups. MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) and VAS scores were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients were followed up for an average of (17.22±8.47) months in group A and (17.83±8.83) months in group B. There was 1 case of nerve injury without infection. VAS score was improved from preoperative 4.33±1.24 to postoperative 0.61±0.70 in group A, and from 4.50±1.47 to postoperative 0.67±0.69 in group B. MEPS of group A was improved from preoperative 62.22±7.90 to postoperative 93.06±5.18 in group A, and from preoperative 61.94±8.93 to postoperative 92.22±5.21 in group B. There were no statistical differences between two groups in MEPS and VAS score. The operation time in group B(54.06±8.43) min was less than that in group A(73.39±12.78) min. Thirty-two cases were satisfied greatly with treatment results, 3 cases satisfied, 1 case unsatisfied. The main reasons that results in dissatisfaction were nerve injury. Treating obstinate tennis elbow using debridement and repair under elbow arthroscopy combined with small incision have open and arthroscopic surgery advantages, with thorough therapeutic effect. The procedure is suitable to try to explore and improve the elbow arthroscopic technique.

Handheld Osteotomes Facilitate Arthroscopic Elbow Osteophyte Removal

Arthroscopic elbow surgery is a challenging procedure in part because of the limited intra-articular volume of the joint, the congruence of the elbow articulation, and the close proximity of the neurovascular structures. Arthritic conditions that result in the development of bony prominences and osteophytes are usually amenable to arthroscopic management and include diagnoses such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and valgus extension overload syndrome. Safe and efficient removal of these osteophytes can be problematic, however, because of technical difficulties often encountered while using arthroscopic burrs and shavers as well as the risks of inadvertent, iatrogenic injury to adjacent articular cartilage and other structures. A valuable and effective technique using small handheld osteotomes to facilitate the arthroscopic removal of intra-articular osteophytes and other bony prominences is described and shown.

Elbow arthroscopy in children and adolescents: analysis of outcome and complications

BackgroundChondral or osteochondral lesions, post-traumatic contracture and loose bodies of the elbow are often associated with chronic pain, stiffness, repetitive swelling and joint blockages. Therefore, arthroscopy of the elbow is often used in the elderly for the treatment of osteochondral defects or arthrolysis. There are only a few reports and studies about arthroscopic therapy of the elbow in children and adolescents. This study assesses the clinical outcome of arthroscopic therapy in this age group.MethodsIn a retrospective study, children and adolescents who underwent an elbow arthroscopy in the period from 2010 to 2014 were included. The children were evaluated using the validated outcome measures Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion, pain on visual analog scale (VAS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), quick dash and postoperative satisfaction. Furthermore, all complications were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 27 patients were included. The mean (range) age was 14 (11–17) years, with a follow-up of 45 months. Fourteen (52%) were female and thirteen children (48%) were male. Twenty children had an arthroscopy due to osteochondritis dissecans and seven children for post-traumatic pain and stiffness. The mean (standard deviation) MEPS improved from 65 (15) to 96 (8; p = .005). The OES and quick dash were 93 and 5.4. The mean extension improved from − 15° (± 13.8) to 3° (± 10.2; p < .001). The mean flexion improved from 131° (± 13.4) to 137° (± 9.5; p = .003). Average pain on VAS was postoperative .2 (± .5), and 81.5% of all children had excellent or good results. There were no complications such as damage of nerves or blood vessels observed.ConclusionElbow arthroscopy is an appropriate and safe treatment option in children and adolescents with good and excellent postoperative results.

Locating the ulnar nerve during elbow arthroscopy using palpation is only accurate proximal to the medial epicondyle

PurposeKnowledge of ulnar nerve position is of utmost importance to avoid iatrogenic injury in elbow arthroscopy. The aim of this study was to determine how accurate surgeons are in locating the ulnar nerve after fluid extravasation has already occurred, and basing their localization solely on palpation of anatomical landmarks.MethodsSeven cadaveric elbows were used and seven experienced surgeons in elbow arthroscopy participated. An arthroscopic setting was simulated and fluids were pumped into the joint from the posterior compartment for 15 min. For each cadaveric elbow, one surgeon was asked to locate the ulnar nerve solely by palpation of the anatomical landmarks, and subsequently pin the ulnar nerve at two positions: within 5 cm proximal and another within 5 cm distal of a line connecting the medial epicondyle and the tip of the olecranon. Subsequently, the elbows were dissected using a standard medial elbow approach and the distances between the pins and ulnar nerve were measured.ResultsThe median distance between the ulnar nerve and the proximal pins was 0 mm (range 0–0 mm), and between the ulnar nerve and the distal pins was 2 mm (range 0–10 mm), showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009). All seven proximally placed pins (100%) transfixed the ulnar nerve versus two out of seven distally placed pins (29%) (p = 0.021).ConclusionsIn a setting simulating an already initiated arthroscopic procedure, the sole palpation of the anatomical landmarks allows experienced elbow surgeons to accurately locate the ulnar nerve only in its course proximal to the medial epicondyle (7/7, 100%), whereas a significantly reduced accuracy is documented when the same surgeons attempt to locate the nerve distal to the medial epicondyle (2/7, 29%; p = 0.021). Current findings support the establishment of a proximal anteromedial portal over a distal anteromedial portal to access the anterior compartment after tissue extravasation has occurred with regard to ulnar nerve safety.

A combination of an anteromedial, anterolateral and midlateral portals is sufficient for 360° exposure of the radial head for arthroscopic fracture fixation.

Arthroscopic fixation of radial head fractures is an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation; the latter, however, presents the advantage of minimal soft-tissue damage. The exposure of the radial head for adequate screw placement can be technically challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter-observer agreement on the effective contact arc in the axial plane of the radial head of three different elbow arthroscopy portals. A fresh-frozen cadaver specimen was obtained and prepared in an arthroscopic setting. Standard anterolateral (AL), anteromedial (AM), and midlateral (ML) portals were established and a circular reference system was marked on the radial head. Ten orthopaedic surgeons were then asked to move the forearm from maximal supination to maximal pronation and indicate with a Kirschner wire from each portal the extension in which they would feel confident in placing a cannulated screw passing through the centre of the articular plane of the radial head (axial contact arc). The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of the sample. A coefficient of variation (CoV) was calculated to determine agreement among observers. The average arc of axial contact arc that could be contacted from the AM portal measured 150 ± 14.1°, or 41.7% of the radial head circumference; the one from the AL portal measured 257 ± 29.5°, or 71.4% of the radial head circumference; that from the ML portal measured 212.5 ± 32.6°, or 59.0% of the radial head circumference. Considering all three portals, the whole radial head circumference could be contacted. The AM portal showed the smallest CoV (9.4%) as compared to the AL (11.5%), and the ML (15.3%) portals. With an appropriate use of the standard AL, AM, and ML portals, the whole radial head circumference can be effectively exposed for adequate fixation of radial head fractures. The contact arc of the AM portal presents the smallest variability among different observers and the AL portal shows a superiority in axial contact arc. This information is important for pre-operative planning, and helps to define the limits of arthroscopic radial head fracture fixation.

Avoiding Neurological Complications of Elbow Arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy is an increasingly common procedure performed in orthopaedic surgery. However, because of the presence of several major neurovascular structures in close proximity to the operative portals, it can have potentially devastating complications. The largest series of elbow arthroscopies to date described a 2.5% rate of postoperative neurological injury. All of these injuries were transient nerve injuries resolved without intervention. A recent report of major nerve injuries after elbow arthroscopy demonstrated that these injuries are likely under-reported in literature. Because of the surrounding neurovascular structures, familiarity with normal elbow anatomy and portals will decrease the risk of damaging important structures. The purpose of this Technical Note is to review important steps in performing elbow arthroscopy with an emphasis on avoiding neurovascular injury. With a sound understanding of the important bony anatomic landmarks, sensory nerves, and neurovascular structures, elbow arthroscopy can provide both diagnostic and therapeutic intervention with little morbidity.

Reasons for surgical revision after conservatively treated radial head fractures-retrospective study of 70patients.

BackgroundAn inadequate clinical outcome after conservatively treated radial head fractures is not uncommon. We analyzed the subjective limitations, objective complaints, and surgical procedures for radial head fractures initially treated conservatively.Patients and methodBetween 2007 and 2016, 70 patients (42 men, 28 women) who suffered from fracture sequelae after conservatively treated radial head fractures were examined. Demographic (age, 41.8 years, range, 16–75 years) and clinical data (pain, range of motion, instability) were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsThe average time to surgery after trauma was 50 months (range, 5–360 months). In 38 cases, radial head fractures were initially treated with immobilization for 3.4 weeks (range, 1–8 weeks). Physiotherapeutic treatment was performed in 39 cases. In only half of the cases was retrospective Mason classification possible: 20 type I, 8 type II, 5 type III, and 2 type IV. Of the 70 patients, 53 had posttraumatic elbow stiffness; 34 had isolated lateral and four patients isolated medial ligament instability. There were eight cases with a combination of lateral and medial ligament instability and 27 cases of elbow stiffness combined with instability. An average of 1.2 (range, 1–4) surgical procedures per patient were performed. In all, 64 patients underwent elbow arthroscopy with arthrolysis and additional treatment depending on other injuries. The range of motion improved on average from preoperative flexion/extension of 131–15–0° to postoperative flexion/extension of 135–5–0° (gain in flexion: 4.2° and extension: 10.6°).ConclusionConservative treatment of radial head fractures does not always yield good results. Reasons for a poor outcome include chronic instability, cartilage damage, stiffness, or a combination thereof. Improved outcomes can be achieved via arthroscopic arthrolysis.

Indications, Results and Complications of Elbow Arthroscopy Treatment in Eighteen Patients

Background: Elbow arthroscopy is increasingly applied to diagnose and treat elbow pathologies. Although evidence about its efficacy is rising, it is still not sufficient to prove it as the preferred technique for the treatment of elbow diseases. Methods: Since this method is very new and only a few studies have been carried out on this technique, the current researchers decided to undertake a study at an academic referral hospital to determine the functional outcome of this method. Data were provided using review of records, applying questionnaires before and after operation, and at final visit (one-year postop). Results: In this analytical case-series study, eighteen patients, who underwent elbow arthroscopy with mean age of 36.11 ± 6.14 years were enrolled during year 2013 to 2015. Between 32 indications of elbow arthroscopy, most indications were arthrolysis (12 cases) and removal of osteophyte and debridement in elbow arthritis (9 cases). Based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the mean scores of elbow pain intensity were 5.22 ± 1.7 before the surgery and 2.94 ± 1.73 at final follow up. Also, mean scores provided by Quick Dash questionnaire were 41.2 ± 16.5 before the surgery and 20.8 ± 12.9 at one-year postop visit (P < 0.001). In patients’ follow-up, no complications, such as infection and nervous damage of compartment syndrome, were seen. Conclusions: Although arthroscopic treatment of elbow lesions may possess few complications, it has favorable functional outcome, and it is a reliable method in the hands of expert orthopedists. Attaining favorable results may require paying attention to contraindications, technical considerations, careful patient selection, and proper general care of the patient.

Prospective outcome assessment of arthroscopic arthrolysis for traumatic and degenerative elbow contracture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic elbow release for both traumatic and degenerative contractures from intraoperative recording through the recovery time until final follow-up. The study is based on 54 consecutive patients with extrinsic elbow contracture (traumatic in 31 and degenerative in 23) treated with arthroscopic arthrolysis by a single surgeon in 2011-2015. Range of motion (ROM) and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were recorded preoperatively; intraoperatively; following release; and in the 1st, 3rd, 8th, 12th, and 26th weeks and at 2 years postoperatively. Significant improvements were noted in extension, flexion, and range of motion, measured both intraoperatively and at all follow-up visits. The greatest improvement in the range of motion was achieved at the time of surgery (from 89° ± 28° to 131° ± 14°, P < .001); it then decreased at 1 week to 103° ± 22° (P < .001) and slowly recovered to reach 124° ± 22° after 2 years. This was better than the preoperative value (P < .001) but worse than the intraoperative value (P = .002). A similar pattern was observed in both traumatic and degenerative contractures. The MEPS improved from 73 ± 12 preoperatively to 93 ± 14 at the final evaluation (P < .001). The ROM and MEPS results at every follow-up were comparable for both traumatic and degenerative contractures. ROM improved regardless of the severity of contracture. Arthroscopic elbow arthrolysis was similarly efficient in ROM restoration in both traumatic and degenerative contractures and regardless of the severity of contracture. After early deterioration, the achieved gain slowly recovers over a period of 6 months but may not recover to the ranges achieved during arthroscopy.

Peripheral Nerve Injury After Elbow Arthroscopy: An Analysis of Risk Factors

To identify risk factors associated with peripheral nerve injury after elbow arthroscopy and provide an updated incidence of those complications. The elbow arthroscopies that were performed at our institution between 2006 and 2016 were identified. Over a 10-year period, 253 elbow arthroscopies were performed at our institution. Two hundred twenty-seven cases had a minimum follow-up of 4weeks, and were included in our analysis. Minor and major nerve-related complications were recorded. The surgeon's experience and training, body max index of the patients, surgical tourniquet time, type of anesthesia or surgery, radiographic appearance of the elbow, diagnosis at the time of surgery, and presence of diabetes were analyzed. There were 12 reported peripheral nerve injuries, 10 minor (4.4%) and 2 major complications (0.9%). The risk factors examined in this study were not correlated with a higher rate of complications. The minor nerve-related complication rate was 4.4%, with a 0.9% incidence of major peripheral nerve injury. Based on these findings, we conclude that elbow arthroscopy is a relatively safe procedure. The risk factors examined in this study had no association with the rate of complications. This finding could be potentially related to type II or beta error in the analysis of risk factors for nerve injury. The exact reasons for nerve injury are not known from this study. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Medical Malpractice Litigation Following Arthroscopic Surgery

Our study aims to analyze a variety of factors involving malpractice lawsuits following arthroscopy, focusing on reasons for lawsuit and establishing predictors for the outcome of the lawsuit. Two legal databases, VerdictSearch and Westlaw, were queried for arthroscopic cases in adult patients. For all included cases, clinical and demographic data were recorded. The effects of plaintiff demographics, joint involved, lawsuit allegation, case ruling, and size of indemnity payments were assessed. Of the 240 included cases, 62 (26%) resulted in plaintiff verdict, 160 (67%) resulted in defense verdict, and 18 (8%) were settled without trial. Plaintiff demographics (age and sex) had no effect on the case ruling. There was no statistical difference between indemnity awards for plaintiff verdicts ($1,013,494) and settled cases ($848,331; P= .13). Patient death was noted in 20 cases (8.3%); a significantly higher proportion of these cases were settled versus went to trial (P= .0022), including 19 patients (95%) who had knee arthroscopy and 16 deaths (80%) resulting from a pulmonary embolus. Plaintiff verdict or settlement were seen significantly more frequently for vascular complications and wrong-sided surgery. Alternatively, defense verdicts followed lawsuits alleging surgeon technical error. Wrong-sided surgery, retained instruments, deep venous thrombosis, and postoperative infections were seen at a significantly higher proportion after knee arthroscopy than after arthroscopy of other joints. Similarly, neurological injury was significantly associated with elbow and hip arthroscopy, while allegations of technical error by the surgeon and block-related complications were associated with shoulder arthroscopy. Plaintiff verdict or settlement were seen for vascular complications and wrong-sided surgery, while defense verdicts followed lawsuits alleging surgeon technical error and block-related complications. We also identified types of allegations that were associated with arthroscopy of different joints. All but one case of patient death (20 cases) were noted to involve knee arthroscopy, and an overwhelming majority resulted due to a pulmonary embolism. This information helps the arthroscopic surgeon better counsel patients and employ strategies to mitigate preventable complications. Level IV, case series.

Proper elbow arthroscopy portal placement in pediatric and adolescent patients

We sought to evaluate proper elbow arthroscopy portal placement in pediatric and adolescent patients. Overall, 109 pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent elbow arthrography were included. Condylar width was measured and the proximal anterior joint capsule location was determined using the ulna-capsular distance. Condylar width and Bone mass index(BMI) also had a high positive correlation coefficient with the proximal joint capsule location.Proximal ulnar border is recommended new bony landmark in pediatric and adolescent patients who undergo elbow arthroscopy. In particular, condylar width and BMI were found to have a high positive correlation with the proximal joint capsule location.