Elbow Arthroscopy Surgeons
Are you an athlete who participates in sports that require repetitive throwing motions or lifting overhead? If so, you may be at risk of developing an elbow injury. Elbow arthroscopy is an important surgical technique designed to treat an extensive array of elbow injuries in a minimally invasive way with limited soft tissue damage. The elbow arthroscopy surgeons at Shoulder Clinic of Idaho perform elbow arthroscopy for patients in Boise who have sustained an elbow injury that requires surgery. Contact the Shoulder Clinic of Idaho team today!
What is elbow arthroscopy?
Elbow arthroscopy is a specialized procedure used by the orthopedic specialists at The Shoulder Clinic of Idaho to inspect, diagnose, and repair problems inside the elbow joint. Arthroscopy literally means “to look within the joint.” During elbow arthroscopy, a small camera is used, which displays a clear and accurate view of the joint on a television screen. Small instruments are then used to repair problems inside the elbow joint for patients in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and the surrounding communities of the Treasure Valley. Elbow arthroscopy is minimally invasive performed on an outpatient basis. Patients can expect quicker healing times with less chance of infection, stiffness and less pain.
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What can be treated with elbow arthroscopy?
Elbow arthroscopy may be recommended for painful elbow conditions or injuries that do not respond to nonsurgical treatments. Elbow arthroscopy may be used during the following:
- Ligament and tendon tears
- Loose bodies
- Elbow arthritis
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medical epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
- Degenerative damage
- Stiff Elbow
- Distal tendon repair
- Ulnar nerve entrapment
What is the recovery process after elbow arthroscopy?
Recovery from elbow arthroscopy is typically much quicker than open surgery. For proper healing, it is important to follow your orthopedic specialist’s rehabilitation guidelines so the elbow joint has time to recover fully. Here is what to expect after elbow arthroscopy:
- Pain, swelling and discomfort in the elbow is normal in the days following elbow arthroscopy. Applying ice for the first 48 hours is recommended to help with pain and swelling.
- If needed, pain medication will be provided and should be taken as prescribed.
- Some elbow arthroscopy procedures will require a brace following surgery.
- Physical therapy is generally started immediately following elbow arthroscopy since motion recovery is key to a full and successful recovery and may be performed by the patient or with the aid of a physical therapist.
- Most patients will need to be by the specialists at The Shoulder Clinic of Idaho a few days following their arthroscopic surgery to assess healing and to receive further instructions for the best outcome.
To learn more about elbow arthroscopy or to see if your elbow injury can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, please contact the orthopedic elbow specialists at The Shoulder Clinic of Idaho, serving patients in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and the surrounding communities of the Treasure Valley.