Elbow arthroscopy, commonly referred to as keyhole elbow surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a range of elbow conditions. The procedure uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialised surgical instruments inserted through tiny incisions around the elbow joint.
This technique allows detailed visualisation of the joint while minimising disruption to surrounding tissues. In appropriately selected patients, elbow arthroscopy may assist with pain relief, improve movement, and address mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking of the joint.
Total elbow replacement is typically recommended when joint damage is advanced and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing adequate symptom relief. The procedure may assist patients who experience difficulty performing everyday activities such as lifting objects, personal care tasks, or using the arm for work or recreational activities.
On this page, you will learn how elbow conditions are assessed prior to arthroscopic surgery, when keyhole elbow surgery may be recommended, the types of procedures that can be performed using arthroscopy, expected recovery and rehabilitation timelines, and guidance on safely returning to work, sport, and everyday activities following surgery.
Compared with traditional open surgery, arthroscopy typically involves:
Elbow Stiffness and Loss of Motion – Arthroscopy may be used to remove scar tissue, release contracted joint lining (capsular release) or remove bone spurs that restrict movement. This can assist with restoring range of motion in selected patients.
Loose Bodies in the Elbow Joint – Loose fragments of cartilage or bone may develop following injury or arthritis. These fragments can cause:
Arthroscopic removal of loose bodies can help improve joint function and reduce mechanical symptoms.
In carefully selected cases, arthroscopy may be used to perform a joint “clean-up” procedure. This may include removal of inflamed tissue, smoothing cartilage surfaces, and removing bone spurs.
The arthroscopy is often combined with a 3cm incision behind the elbow to allow more aggressive removal of bone build-up blocking movement.
While arthroscopy does not reverse arthritis, it may assist with symptom pain relief and better range of motion in selected patients.
Improvement in movement range lasts for up to 10 years, and the procedure can be repeated. This process may delay or prevent more major surgery.
For patients with persistent symptoms despite appropriate non-operative treatment, arthroscopic techniques may be used to release or treat diseased tendon tissue.
In some cases, arthroscopy can assist in assessing ligament injury or treating associated joint damage. Certain ligament reconstructions may be performed using arthroscopic or combined techniques.
Damage to cartilage and underlying bone, particularly in younger athletes or overhead sports participants, may be treated arthroscopically in selected cases.The condition responsible for this is called Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
These lesions may be pinned in place to help healing, or removed completely if they are small with no significant long-term consequences.
Patients who may benefit from specialist assessment for arthroscopic elbow surgery often experience:
Assessment involves a detailed evaluation of symptoms, examination findings, and imaging results.
This typically includes:
The goal is to identify the underlying cause of symptoms and determine whether minimally invasive surgery is likely to provide benefit.
Elbow arthroscopy is typically performed under general anaesthesia as a day case.
During the procedure:
A tourniquet is used to reduce blood flow during the surgery
Procedure time varies depending on the condition being treated, from 20 to 90 minutes.
Recovery varies depending on the underlying condition and procedures performed.
Rehabilitation generally includes:
Gentle elbow movement is encouraged in all cases other than repair of OCD lesions immediately after surgery to reduce stiffness.
A structured physiotherapy program ensures restoration of maximum movement, strength, and return to bestl function.
Return to work and sport is guided by healing progress, surgical findings, and individual demands.
Many patients return to light physical activities within 2 weeks, with driving, office work and most simple tasks performed within a few days of the surgery.
Regular anti-inflammatory medication for 2 to 3 weeks (if tolerated) helps minimise pain and swelling to allow fastest recovery
Individual outcomes vary depending on the condition being treated and overall joint health.
Although arthroscopy is effective for many elbow conditions, some injuries or structural abnormalities require open surgical techniques.
These may include:
Dr Richard Dallalana will discuss whether arthroscopic or open surgery is most appropriate based on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Elbow arthroscopy is highly technique-dependent and requires detailed understanding of elbow anatomy and surrounding nerves. Dr Richard Dallalana provides specialist assessment of elbow conditions and utilises arthroscopic techniques wherever appropriate. Treatment recommendations are tailored to the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and functional requirements of each patient.
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