Fair Oaks Orthopedics

elbow arthroscopy surgeon fairfax va

Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that diagnoses and treats various conditions affecting the elbow.

This surgery begins with Dr. Pournaras inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your elbow through small incisions. This allows him to see the structures inside your elbow, such as the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, on a monitor in real time. Dr. Pournaras can then move forward to treat the injuries and create a post-surgical plan for recovery.

Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat a wide range of elbow conditions, including:

  • Loose bodies (cartilage or bone fragments)
  • Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Cartilage injuries or defects
  • Ligament injuries (e.g., UCL tears)
  • Tendon injuries (e.g., triceps or biceps tendon tears)
  • Elbow stiffness or contractures
  • Synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)

Overall, elbow arthroscopy is a valuable surgical technique for diagnosing and treating various elbow conditions. Compared to traditional open surgery, it offers patients the potential for faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and an improved outcome.

If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your elbow and need treatment,
contact us at Fair Oaks Orthopedics. Our professional medical staff can help you simply by calling us today.
Tennis Elbow Treatment Fairfax VA

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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Fair Oaks Orthopedics – Fairfax,VA

Suffering from pain can limit your daily activities and decreases your enjoyment of life.  Our commitment to support your journey towards recovery can help ease your mind. Learn more about our comprehensive range of advanced treatment options for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder designed to provide pain relief and heal as quickly, and as safely as possible.
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Fair Oaks Orthopedics

For over 30 years, Virginia Board Certified Physician, Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. has provided excellent healthcare and treatment for his patients. As a multi-specialty orthopedic practice, offering the best for you medically to treat, heal and lead you to optimum recovery. We are dedicated to using state-of-the-art technology while building nurturing relationships with each of our patients.

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