Elbow arthroscopy is an increasingly common procedure performed in orthopaedic surgery. However, because of the presence of several major neurovascular structures in close proximity to the operative portals, it can have potentially devastating complications. The largest series of elbow arthroscopies to date described a 2.5% rate of postoperative neurological injury. All of these injuries were transient nerve injuries resolved without intervention. A recent report of major nerve injuries after elbow arthroscopy demonstrated that these injuries are likely under-reported in literature. Because of the surrounding neurovascular structures, familiarity with normal elbow anatomy and portals will decrease the risk of damaging important structures. The purpose of this Technical Note is to review important steps in performing elbow arthroscopy with an emphasis on avoiding neurovascular injury. With a sound understanding of the important bony anatomic landmarks, sensory nerves, and neurovascular structures, elbow arthroscopy can provide both diagnostic and therapeutic intervention with little morbidity.

For overhead athletes and, in particular, baseball pitchers, the rates of success and return to play for those who have undergone arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions are poor, ranging from 7% to 62%. The reasons for the poor results and high failure rates in overhead athletes with type II SLAP repairs are multifactorial and are a combination of many factors. These factors include the failure to establish the diagnosis and treat these athletes preoperatively; the inability of the operating surgeon to differentiate normal anatomic variants from pathologic SLAP lesions at the time of surgery; the surgical technique, which may violate the rotator cuff; or the placement of suture anchors, which restricts external rotation and alters overhead throwing mechanics. The proper diagnosis of SLAP lesions can be difficult because SLAP tears rarely occur in isolation and are often associated with other shoulder pathology. A proper history detailing the onset of symptoms and whether there was an acute episode of trauma or a history of repetitive use is critical. It is important to remember that no single physical examination finding is pathognomonic for SLAP tears. When seen in isolation, SLAP tears may mimic impingement syndrome (52%) or even anterior instability (39%). Surgical treatment of type II SLAP lesions should not be undertaken lightly in overhead athletes. If a 3-month rehabilitation period followed by a return to sports over the following 3 months does not allow the athlete to return to his or her preinjury level, diagnostic arthroscopy with SLAP repair is a reasonable option and can yield excellent results using the proper techniques. The technique described in detail in this article and our video can be technically demanding, but with the key points outlined, it can be reproduced and provide excellent results for overhead athletes undergoing SLAP repair. By not violating the rotator cuff, using a mattress configuration and keeping the suture knot away from the articular surface, and by not going anterior to the biceps tendon for repair, external rotation and strength can be preserved, leading to an excellent result with a predictable return to play for overhead athletes.

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder joint and the subacromial space requires adequate visualization to be effectively performed. Visual clarity is essential to perform a safe and successful arthroscopic procedure. The major determinants to provide visualization in the subacromial space and the glenohumeral joint include adequate inflow (dependent on the dimension of the inflow cannula), flow rate versus pressure, pump system versus gravity, the use of electrocautery and radiofrequency devices, blood pressure control and hypotensive anesthesia, and the type of irrigation solution used with or without the use of epinephrine. In 2012, the cost of a 30-mL (30-mg) vial of epinephrine was $6 (adrenalin/epinephrine injection, USP, Par Pharmaceuticals), and approximately 3 to 4 bottles would be used on average for a single shoulder arthroscopy. In 2019, the same 30-mL bottle of epinephrine cost $237, a nearly 40-fold increase. The purpose of our study is to describe the various factors and techniques that can be used to maintain visual clarity in shoulder arthroscopy without the use of epinephrine in the irrigation solution and the cost savings associated without the use of epinephrine.A rthroscopic surgery of the shoulder joint and the subacromial space requires adequate visualization to be effectively performed. 1 Visual clarity is essential to perform a safe and successful arthroscopic procedure. 2 In particular, bleeding in the subacromial space is an annoying but ever-present impediment to visualization during arthroscopic subacromial procedures.

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The surgical treatment of ochronotic arthropathy remains unclear. Although there is no absolute cure for ochronotic arthropathy, current management typically begins with conservative treatment. Total joint replacement may eventually be necessary for joints that become severely degenerative. Ochronotic arthropathy is present in patients with alkaptonuric ochronosis, which is characterized by dark pigmentation of connective tissue and black discoloration of urine owing to a deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase. As a result, soft tissues become brittle and subsequently more susceptible to mechanical stress, resulting in articular cartilage degeneration. The diagnosis of ochronotic arthropathy of the knee often occurs intraoperatively after discovery of darkened synovium and black deposits during arthroscopy. The purpose of this article is to describe arthroscopic debridement as an effective treatment option and diagnostic tool for ochronotic arthropathy of the knee after failure of conservative measures.