Arthroscopic fenestration of the olecranon fossa in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the elbow.

A new arthroscopic approach to the treatment of elbow osteoarthritis that permits debridement of the elbow joint together with the removal of intraarticular loose bodies is described. Twelve patients (11 male, one female) with an age range of 29-64 (mean 47.5 years) underwent the procedure. Post-surgery all patients had relief of elbow-locking and experienced a reduction in elbow pain (follow-up 3-30 months, mean 16 months). The technique is offered as a treatment option for patients with elbow osteoarthritis.