Elbow Arthroscopy

This leaflet provides general information to help you understand elbow arthroscopy — a minimally invasive (keyhole) procedure to relieve pain, improve movement, and treat mechanical problems within the elbow joint.

This keyhole procedure treats problems inside the elbow joint, and is usually a day case.

At the heart of my practice is Shared Decision-Making. Whether we pursue conservative management (Plan A) or surgical intervention (Plan B), the goal is to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and functional goals.

The Anatomy of the Elbow

The elbow is a hinged joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm, relying on several structures for stability and movement. The joint connects:

• Humerus (upper arm bone)
• Radius and Ulna (forearm bones)
• A smooth cartilage lining and joint capsule

What Arthroscopy Treats

Keyhole surgery can remove loose bodies, trim inflamed tissue, shave bone spurs, and release a tight capsule to restore movement.

Common Reasons for Surgery

Arthroscopy may be advised to treat:

• Loose bodies and scar tissue
• Osteoarthritis of the elbow
• Tennis elbow (in some cases)
• Unexplained elbow pain

Typical Symptoms

• Pain, stiffness or swelling
• Catching, locking or grinding
• Reduced range of movement
• Symptoms not helped by physiotherapy

When Surgery Is Considered

When pain, stiffness, locking or swelling has not improved with physiotherapy, injections or activity modification.

About the Operation

Elbow arthroscopy uses a fibre-optic camera and fine instruments passed through small keyhole incisions to inspect and treat the joint. It is usually a day case, meaning smaller scars and a quicker recovery than open surgery.

At a Glance: Benefits

Keyhole surgery can:

• Relieve pain by removing inflamed tissue, loose bodies or bone spurs
• Improve movement by releasing tight structures
• Treat catching, locking or grinding within the joint

The Procedure, Step by Step

• Camera: an arthroscope is inserted to view inside the joint
• Assessment: the cartilage, ligaments and joint lining are examined
• Treatment: loose bodies removed, tissue trimmed, spurs shaved, capsule released
• Closure: dissolvable stitches, a dressing and a sling

Before, During & After Surgery

Recovery & Results

Recovery is a partnership. The timeline below is a guide — your physiotherapist and I will adapt it to you — this shared decision-making process ensures you are fully informed and involved in your care.

• Sling: usually worn for 48–72 hours
• Gentle hand use: begin as comfort allows
• Light exercises: begin immediately, as instructed
• Recovery: rehabilitation typically 3–4 months (up to a year for full recovery)

About 90% of patients achieve a good or excellent outcome. Around 5% may have ongoing discomfort, and a small number may need further treatment.

After Surgery — The First Weeks

• Sling: worn for 48–72 hours to support the arm and reduce swelling, or longer if needed
• Pain Relief: a local anaesthetic block lasts 4–6 hours; start painkillers before it wears off, for 3–4 days
• Wound Care: keyholes closed with dissolvable stitches under a splash-proof dressing and bandage; removed or changed at 48 hours; shower after 3 days
• Physiotherapy: start light exercises immediately as instructed; apply ice for 15 minutes twice daily; avoid heavy activity for 2 weeks

Risks & Complications

Uncommon, but possible.

• Stiffness: mild stiffness is common and usually improves; complete stiffness is rare
• Infection: fewer than 1 in 1000; treated effectively with antibiotics if it occurs
• Persistent Pain: usually settles within weeks; a few patients have pain for 2–3 months and may need a steroid injection
• Nerve Symptoms: around 5% have minor, temporary nerve symptoms that settle with time and physiotherapy; major nerve injury is rare
• Failure to Improve: about 90% do well; around 5% have ongoing discomfort and a further 5% may need more treatment

Return to Work & Everyday Activities

Return-to-work timelines vary by role:

• Managerial / supervisory roles: 2–3 weeks
• Light manual labour (e.g. clerical): 6–8 weeks
• Heavy manual labour: 12–16 weeks
• Driving: resume when comfortable and safe to control the vehicle and perform an emergency stop
• Sport: swimming from 3–4 weeks, golf from 6 weeks, contact sports after 3–4 months

Questions You May Wish to Ask

• How soon can I return to work?
• When can I drive again?
• How much improvement can I expect?
• What are the signs of a problem?