Arthroscopic Management of The Stiff Elbow: Osteoarthritis and Arthrofibrosis

Indications for arthroscopic management of elbow stiffness and pain associated with elbow osteoarthritis have steadily increased in the last few years. Although technically demanding, the potential advantages, comprising increased joint visualization, decreased tissue disruption, and faster recovery have yielded growing interest into this technique. The reported complication rates are higher than in other joints and sound knowledge of the local anatomy is required to ensure a safe procedure. The technique and indications for arthroscopic management of osteophytes, soft tissue contracture, and associated ulnar nerve neuropathy as well as postsurgical care, as given by the senior author, have been described in this article.