Elbow arthroscopy
Treating elbow injuries using keyhole surgery
If you're experiencing elbow pain, arthroscopy diagnoses and treats a number of different elbow conditions
What is an elbow arthroscopy?
There are many benefits to this procedure. As the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, the incisions made to your skin are smaller. This means less scarring and shorter recovery times.
Elbow arthroscopy treats a number of conditions:
- Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)
- Osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory arthritis)
- Removes loose bits of cartilage and bone from injuries or arthritis
- Removal of loose bodies (loose cartilage and bone fragments)
- Releases scar tissue to improve range of motion
Need to know
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What happens during an elbow arthroscopy? icon plus
This procedure happens under general anaesthetic. You'll either lie on your side or stomach so your surgeon has easy access to your elbow. Your elbow joint will be filled with a special fluid which helps your surgeon see your joint structures on the screen.
This clear view of your elbow means less risk of injury to your nerves and blood vessels. Your surgeon will then make small incisions around the elbow joint and insert the camera. By looking inside like this the surgeon can identify and assess the problem.
Depending on what the surgeons finds, they may be able to treat the problem at the same time, for example by repairing the nerve or removing loose bone. The cuts are then stitched or covered with tape at the end of surgery. -
How to prepare for your arthroscopy icon plus
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. -
Arthroscopy recovery times icon plus
As arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, you'll be able to go home after a few hours. Your consultant will check your progress and nurses will provide pain relief. You'll need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Recovery from an elbow arthroscopy can take weeks or even months. Gentle exercise can help and sessions of physiotherapy will help you build strength and regain function of your elbow. Your consultant will let you know how long your recovery will take and how long you will need off work.
Our shoulder and elbow consultants
Our locations in London
From complex shoulder and elbow surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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HCA UK City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HT
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Private Elbow arthroscopy in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Private Elbow arthroscopy in Manchester
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
Request a shoulder or elbow appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced upper limb consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344