Guidelines to Becoming an Expert Elbow Arthroscopist

This report presents my guidelines for surgeon training and development of skills in the art of elbow arthroscopy. As elbow arthroscopy becomes more common, it is important to achieve greater levels of experience that will minimize the risk of complications because indications and techniques are growing in number and complexity. Indications for elbow arthroscopy that require diagnosis before open surgery include evaluation of instability; removal of loose bodies, spurs, and plica; irrigation and debridement of infection or open joints; evaluation for arthrofibrosis (with open nerve protection), lateral epicondylitis, arthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, fracture, bursectomy, synovectomy, stabilization, tendon repair, and nerve release or decompression.