[Arthroscopic removal of intra-articular loose foreign bodies of the elbow].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We have retrospectively studied the results of arthroscopic removal of loose bodies in the elbow. The aim of the study was to determine if the etiology of the loose bodies could be considered as a criteria for technical difficulty and clinical prognosis.

MATERIAL: 16 patients (11 men and 5 female) had an elbow arthroscopy for loose bodies removal. Their average age was 29.5 years (range: 16-49). The post-operative results were recorded in their medical files with an average follow-up of six months.

METHODS

In each case we have determined the etiology of the intra-articular loose bodies. The results were analyzed according to technical difficulty and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

The etiology of the loose bodies was 8 chondromatosis, 4 osteochondritis dissecans and 4 post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The removal of the loose bodies was possible in 13 cases. Three arthroscopies were interrupted because of arthritic joint space narrowing. Twelve patients with primary chondromatosis and osteochondritis dissecans were improved. We did not find any significant clinical improvement in osteoarthritic elbows. A correlation between the results and the etiologies could therefore be shown.

DISCUSSION: In arthroscopic removal of elbow loose bodies, technical difficulties and clinical results are correlated to the etiology of the loose bodies and also to the statement of the osteochondral surfaces.