Technique and indications of elbow arthroscopy. A twelve-cases report.

AIM: Describe the technique of the elbow arthroscopy and discuss their indications through a series of 12 cases and a review of the literature.

METHODS

We report a retrospective study of a short series of 12 cases of elbow arthroscopy performed on 4 years. The indications of this technique were loose bodies in 7 cases, parcellar displaced fracture of radial head in 3 cases, fracture of coronoid process in one case and osseous impingement in one case.

RESULTS

We have noted no complications and at a mean follow up of 18 months (6 to 40 months) our results were almost satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Elbow arthroscopy is an effective but delicate technique. Its indications are not frequent. They are dominated by loose bodies.