Arthroscopic Management of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the elbow is featured by hypertrophic osteophyte formation, loose body, and capsular contracture. Meanwhile, there is relative preservation of articular cartilage and maintenance of joint space. Typical symptom includes loss of elbow motion and impingement-type pain at terminal extension and flexion. The ideal surgical treatment is osteocapsular arthroplasty. This procedure includes removal of loose bodies and osteophytes as well as capsulectomy. It can be done arthroscopically or through an open approach. The technique of arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty of the elbow has been well developed in the past decade.