Pediatric elbow arthroscopy: indications and safety

Background Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive means by which to treat a variety of acute and chronic elbow conditions. Although the safety and efficacy is well documented in the adult population, comparatively little information is available about the role of elbow arthroscopy in the pediatric population. This study reports the indications for and safety of elbow arthroscopy in a series of pediatric patients. Methods A retrospective review was performed from 2001 to 2015 of a surgical database at a single institution. All elbow arthroscopies performed in patients aged 18 years and younger were reviewed. Indications for surgery, perioperative and postoperative complications, further surgical intervention, and descriptive demographic information were recorded. Results We identified 64 elbow arthroscopic procedures in 59 patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 11.8 years. Indications for the arthroscopic surgery included contracture release (45.3%), closed reduction and fixation for fracture (20.3%), treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (20.3%), diagnostic arthroscopy (7.8%), and debridement (6.3%). The overall complication rate was 17.2%, with a major and minor complication rate of 6.3% and 10.9%, respectively. Conclusion Elbow arthroscopy has applications in the pediatric population with an acceptable safety profile. The techniques and indications continue to evolve.