title: Osteoarthritis of the elbow: results of arthroscopic osteophyte resection and capsulectomy.
abstract: Primary osteoarthritis of the elbow involves formation of bony spurs, loose bodies, and capsular contracture. This article presents the results of an arthroscopic technique for treatment of elbow arthritis in a series of patients. A retrospective chart review identified 41 patients with primary osteoarthritis in 42 elbows who underwent arthroscopic osteophyte resection and capsulectomy and who had more than 2 years of follow-up. Preoperative motion, pain, and Mayo Elbow Performance Index scores were compared with those at the latest follow-up. At an average follow-up of 176.3 weeks, significant improvements occurred in mean flexion, from 117.3 degrees preoperatively to 131.6 degrees (P < .0001); extension, from 21.4 degrees to 8.4 degrees (P < .0001); supination, from 70.7 degrees to 78.6 degrees (P = .0056); and Mayo Elbow Performance Index scores (P < .0001), with 81% good to excellent results. Pain decreased significantly (P < .0001). Complications were rare (n = 2) and included heterotopic ossification and ulnar dysesthesias. This procedure addresses the pathologic processes associated with arthritis of the elbow and was safe and effective in this series.
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors: Julie E
authors: JE
authors: Adams
authors: Luther H
authors: LH
authors: Wolff
authors: Sheri M
authors: SM
authors: Merten
authors: Scott P
authors: SP
authors: Steinmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003646:Debridement; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies