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Medical Video: Elbow Arthroscopy - Dr. William B. Stetson
Definition
What is elbow arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy (microsurgery) involves examining the inside of your elbow using a telescope that is inserted through a small incision made on your skin. Your surgeon will be able to deal with problems detected during the examination using special surgical instruments.
What are the benefits of arthroscopy?
The purpose of the procedure is to ascertain what is the problem being complained about, and for some people the problem can be directly addressed during the procedure.
When do I need to undergo elbow arthroscopy?
The doctor will recommend arthroscopy based on your complaints about pain that does not react to non-surgical therapy. Non-surgical procedures include resting at home, physical therapy, and treatment or injection that can relieve inflammation. Inflammation is the body's natural reaction to injury or disease. In joints that are injured or contracted by disease, inflammation causes swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Prevention & warning
The condition of the elbow in each patient is different. This causes different recovery times for everyone.
If you have made minor repairs, you may not need splint assistance (orthopedic devices) and stretch of movement and function of your elbows will come back after a short rehabilitation. You can return to the normal routine a few days after the procedure.
More complex procedures will require a longer recovery time. Although arthroscopy uses small incisions, extension injuries in the joints can be treated with this procedure.
Are there other alternatives to elbow arthroscopy?
Joint problems can be diagnosed using other medical tests, such as CT and CT Scan. However, you might need arthroscopy to deal with the problem.
Process
What should I do before elbow arthroscopy?
This procedure is done after you have been given total anesthesia. You will be given complete instructions on what to do before the procedure, including whether you can eat certain foods several hours before surgery. Generally, you will be asked to fast eating 6 hours before arthroscopy. You will be allowed to drink fluids, such as coffee, until a few hours before the procedure.
How is the elbow arthroscopy process?
The surgical procedure takes about 30 minutes.
The surgeon will make 2-4 small slices along your joints. Then, your doctor inserts a small telescope through one slice so he can examine the joints. The surgeon will also insert a surgical instrument through another slice if he feels that the problem that appears in your joints must be dealt with immediately.
What should I do after elbow arthroscopy?
You can go straight home after surgery.
Your physiotherapist may suggest that you do light exercise and a number of follow-up instructions to help speed up the recovery process. The recovery process can take up to 3 months until you can return to normal activities.
Regular exercise will help you restore your strength to carry out daily activities. Before you start, ask for advice from the team of doctors about sports that are right for you.
Most people in general will experience a significant increase, but it takes time for pain to decrease and the movement of the joints returns to normal. Signs of the disorder often return over time.
Complications
What complications can occur?
General Complications
- pain
- bleeding
- infection in the surgical area (wound)
- mild scarring
Specific Complications
- bleeding leaked into the joints
- infection of the elbow joint
- extreme pain, stiff arms, and loss of control of the complex regional pain syndrome
- nerve damage
- radial nerve damage
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