elbow arthroscopy

During elbow arthroscopy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (nerve block) to ensure comfort and immobility during the procedure. Dr. Pournaras will then make small incisions around the elbow and insert the arthroscope and specialized surgical instruments through these incisions. The arthroscope transmits images of the inside of the joint to a monitor, allowing him to assess the extent of damage and perform necessary corrections, such as removing loose bodies, debriding damaged tissue, repairing ligaments or tendons, or smoothing roughened cartilage surfaces. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or sterile strips, and a bandage or dressing is applied to the elbow.

Recovery: The recovery from elbow arthroscopy varies depending on the specific procedure performed, the extent of the injury or condition being treated, and patient factors such as age and overall health. In general, patients can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling, and stiffness in the elbow following surgery, which can be managed with pain medications, ice therapy, and arm elevation.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises are typically prescribed to improve the elbow joint’s range of motion, strength, and function.

Most patients can resume light activities within a few days to weeks after surgery, with full recovery usually taking several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s progress.

Benefits: Elbow arthroscopy offers several potential benefits compared to traditional open surgery, including:

• Minimally invasive: Arthroscopy involves smaller incisions, less tissue trauma, and reduced scarring compared to open surgery.
• Faster recovery: Patients typically experience less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to normal activities compared to open surgery.
• Improved visualization: The arthroscope provides a magnified view of the inside of the joint, allowing for more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment of specific conditions.
• Reduced risk of complications: Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy has a lower risk of complications such as infection, nerve damage, and blood loss.
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