Arthroscopic Management of Loose Bodies and Synovial Lesions of the Elbow

The arthroscope is an excellent tool for diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular causes of elbow pain. With a precise understanding of the arthroscopic anatomy of the elbow, loose bodies associated with osteochondritis dissecans, synovial chondromatosis, fractures, and osteoarthritis can be located and safely removed. Synovial lesions caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, synovial plicae, synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, and hemophilia can also be managed with a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach using careful intraoperative techniques.