Elbow Scope

An elbow scope, or arthroscopy, is literally a look inside your elbow joint.  But before we get into how an elbow scope is done, let’s address the why.

You see, your upper arm (humerus) and forearm (ulna and radius) meet at your elbow joint. This intersection of bones is protected by a whole network of ligaments, cartilage, and other tissue that’s all covered by your synovial membrane. This membrane is critical to your elbow, in that it emits a fluid that lubricates your cartilage, eliminating almost all friction as you bend and rotate your arm.

Speaking of arm movements, your elbow’s controlled by a whole series of muscles that empower you to make two basic arm movements: bending and straightening (flexion and extension) and forearm rotation (pronation is palm down; supination is palm up). So, you see, there’s a lot going on in your elbow, and when something goes wrong, it can be painful. In fact, some common problems that may require an elbow scope include, chondral defects, loose bodies, among other issues.

If you find yourself in need an elbow scope, here’s how it’ll go. After a general anesthetic is administered, your surgeon will insert an arthroscope with an attached camera into your joint. Diagnostic arthroscopy is then used to identify the underlining problems. Next, your surgeon may need to make multiple incisions to fix what’s ailing your elbow before he or she patches you up.

Finally, you should be able to go home within a couple of hours, however your timetable for resuming daily activities will vary depending on the work you had done.