Mid-term Outcomes and Survivorship of Arthroscopic Elbow Débridement: A Comparison of Post-Traumatic Versus Primary Degenerative Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background Arthroscopic debridement is an effective means of surgical management of both degenerative osteoarthritis (DOA) and post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) of the elbow. However, the difference in the efficacy and longevity of this procedure when performed for these two distinct pathologies remains in question. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the mid-term outcomes and survivorship of arthroscopic debridement of elbow PTA and DOA. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing arthroscopic debridement of DOA and PTA of the elbow was performed. A questionnaire containing the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), as well as questions regarding the incidence of reoperation, additional non-operative intervention, complications, pain, and satisfaction was administered at a minimum of 5 years after surgery. The mid-term survivorship of arthroscopic debridement free of reoperation for any reason, as well as the remaining outcome measurements obtained via questionnaire and in-office evaluation, were compared amongst PTA and DOA cohorts. Results Eighty patients (DOA = 36, PTA = 44) were included in this study for analysis. All 36 patients with DOA were noted to be male. Follow-up time at the date of questionnaire response was 7.9 years (range, 5.6-11.8) in the DOA cohort and 8.6 years (range, 5.7-12.7) in the PTA cohort. Reoperation rates of 5.6% and 11.4% were identified in the DOA and PTA cohorts, respectively. No statistical difference was noted in reoperation rate, survivorship, or any measured patient-reported outcomes between cohorts at final follow-up. Both cohorts demonstrated a significant improvement in VAS pain scores (p Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement is an equally efficacious treatment option for DOA and PTA of the elbow. Patients with either pathology may expect satisfactory elbow function and an improvement in pain with little chance of reoperation at a mid-term length of follow-up.