CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Elbow arthroscopy
Treating elbow injuries using minimally invasive keyhole surgery. If you're experiencing elbow pain, an arthroscopy can diagnose and treat a number of different elbow conditions.
What is an elbow arthroscopy?
An elbow arthroscopy procedure treats elbow injuries using keyhole surgery inside your elbow joint. It's also used to investigate and diagnose conditions.
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
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.
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.
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.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
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.
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 Elbow arthroscopy locations
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
City of London 31 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HT London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
Golders Green Outpatients
Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.