CHAPTER 43 The Future of Arthroscopy of the Elbow

Felix H. Savoie, III, Bernard F. Morrey

INTRODUCTION

As with many joints, arthroscopy of the elbow has become more common. Case reports and anecdotal evidence support the rapid growth of the use of arthroscopy in a variety of disorders of the elbow. The future holds much promise in the expansion of the application of arthroscopic techniques. The success of arthroscopy over open procedures in other areas has pushed both the surgeon and the public to advance the application of these techniques to the elbow. Minimally invasive surgery, with its advantage of causing less surgical damage while achieving the same results, is the current preferred method in all areas of orthopedics. The elbow is no different. The key to the advancement of elbow surgery will be the development of guidelines and teachers to improve the safety of these surgeries.

O’Driscoll, in the last edition of this text, detailed the learning curve necessary to allow advancement, using the arthrofibrotic elbow as an example. Although complications occurred during the development of the process, the procedure now is the method of choice for most elbow surgeons in managing this complex problem. These advances were attributable to the honesty of the investigating surgeons and their willingness to share the complications and problems with their colleagues, leading to improved results and decreased risk. The key is to advance the investigations and procedures while always operating within one’s own personal “safe zone” of experience and comfort. One of the most comfor-ting advances, popularized by O’Driscoll, is the use of arthroscopic retractors to protect the neurovascular structures. This single advance has allowed the application of elbow arthroscopy to many more complex procedures.

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