Elbow Arthroscopy: A New Technique

Summary 

Elbow arthroscopy is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the orthopaedic surgeon. In the standard technique, the patient is positioned supine with the arm suspended overhead and an anterolateral portal is used. We have modified this technique by placing the patient in a prone position and using a proximal medial portal. Use of the prone position improves scope mobility, facilitates joint manipulation, and provides more complete intra-articular visualization. This technique simplifies the treatment of a wide variety of elbow pathology, including loose bodies, osteochondritis dissecans, persistent synovitis, suspected cartilaginous lesions, posterior osteophytes, selected radial head fractures, and chronically undiagnosed painful elbows.

Key Words: Elbow—Techniques Arthroscopy 1989;5:222-224