Types of Elbow Surgery

Elbow arthroscopy

An arthroscopic procedure, or an arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive surgery that is performed using a thin medical instrument called an arthroscope. This tool has a small camera attached to the end that sends live images to a screen in the operating room for the physician to view. During this procedure, the arthroscope is inserted into the joint, along with other specially designed surgical instruments, to view the inside of the joint and repair damage from conditions such as:

• Tennis elbow
• A small bone fracture or cartilage injury
• Osteoarthritis

Open elbow surgery

Sometimes, a patient may require traditional open elbow surgery to address a more complex problem. While this procedure involves a larger incision than an elbow arthroscopy, advancements in surgical care have reduced the invasiveness of such operations. Open surgery may be recommended to:

• Repair damaged ligaments
• Treat golfer’s elbow
• Address more complex bone fractures
• Relieve ulnar nerve decompression

Elbow replacement surgery

Although uncommon, elbow replacement surgery, or elbow arthroplasty, may be beneficial to patients with severe arthritis, complex fractures, or chronic joint instability. During the procedure, the damaged components of the elbow joint are removed and replaced with prostheses to restore mobility and function.

The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Specialists perform arthroscopic, traditional, and total elbow replacement surgery using the latest advancements in care. To learn about our approach to elbow surgery or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, contact us today.