The elbow is a joint in your hand that allows you to make a variety of motions and movements. When flexibility and loss of motion are experienced, performing an orthopedic surgical procedure on the elbow can bring immense relief. Elbow problems could include cartilage defects, contracture release, fractured head of the radical bone, late osteoarthritis and stiffness, a ligament tear in the elbow, loose bodies, bone spurs, synovectomy, tennis elbow, and tendonitis.
Surgical options include arthroscopy surgery, full surgery, and open surgery. Elbow arthroscopy is a less painful minimally invasive surgery with minimal scarring, improved preservation of motion, and quick recovery time. However, elbow arthroscopy is in its nascent stages in comparison to shoulder and knee arthroscopy surgeries.
Your surgeon will insert an arthroscope, which is a tubular instrument, through a tiny incision at the side of the elbow joint. Sterile fluid will be injected to expand the joint and make for better visualization. Repairs are then done through tiny portal incisions that do not usually require stitches.
The biggest concern while undergoing elbow arthroscopy is to avoid injuring major nerves that encircle the elbow joint. Various nerves are significantly important to the way the hand functions. Elbow arthroscopy complications are rare, but in certain cases, it could include bleeding, infection, nerve injury, or stiffness. Other problems include infection and injury by the arthroscopy instruments to the joint cartilage.
Elbow arthroscopy recovery period varies from patient to patient and the kind of surgery that has been done. Recovery time could be anything between a week and several months, but the usual time is 3 to 6 months for complete recovery.
Elbow arthroscopy rehab usually requires you to follow physical therapy and exercises prescribed by your doctor after the surgery. The main emphasis by your doctor will be to help you regain suppleness, range of motion, and power in your elbow.
Continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy may also be recommended by your doctor for a period of two to four weeks, depending on the range of motion. The amount of time and motions differ, depending on the kind of surgical procedure and movement in the elbow. Most patients face problems in moving their elbow joint without pain, and this treatment helps patients move their joint without the use of their muscle. Your doctor will give specific instructions on how to use the CPM unit, including the amount of motion, rate at which you can increase the motion, time to spend on the device, and speed to be maintained. Following your surgery, you will also be advised by your doctor to observe minimal activity so that the elbow can heal faster.
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