Arthroscopic elbow surgery, is it safe?

Is there any difference between open and arthroscopic treatment for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Although this difference was not statistically significant, there is a trend toward a lower complication rate in the arthroscopic group. This can be another benefit of the arthroscopic procedure, which results in decreased postsurgical pain, reduced arthrofibrosis, easier post-operative rehabilitation, and improved intra-operative joint visualization [34][35][36][37]. With development of the arthroscopic technique, several procedures that once required open elbow arthrotomy are now commonly performed arthroscopically, such as OCD treatment.…”

Factors That Increase the Risk of Infection After Elbow Arthroscopy: Analysis of Patient Demographics, Medical Comorbidities, and Steroid Injections in 2,704 Medicare Patients

“…1 Several procedures that once required open elbow arthrotomy are now commonly performed arthroscopically, resulting in decreased postsurgical pain, reduced arthrofibrosis, easier postoperative rehabilitation, and improved intraoperative joint visualization. [2][3][4][5] These benefits have driven an expansion in both the incidence and diversity of arthroscopic elbow procedures currently being performed. 2,3,6,7 Because the popularity and use of elbow arthroscopy have increased in recent years, the concern for complications has also risen.…”

“…[2][3][4][5] These benefits have driven an expansion in both the incidence and diversity of arthroscopic elbow procedures currently being performed. 2,3,6,7 Because the popularity and use of elbow arthroscopy have increased in recent years, the concern for complications has also risen. The reported complications in the current literature include peripheral nerve injury, heterotopic ossification, joint stiffness, compartment syndrome, septic arthritis, and obesity.…”

“…4,[7][8][9][10] Despite the increase in the use of elbow arthroscopy over the past decade, complication rates remain largely ill-defined and limited to institutional series and case reports. 3,4,[11][12][13] Although septic arthritis after elbow arthroscopy is infrequent, its effects can be devastating to the patient, and this often leads to subsequent procedures, a prolonged course of antibiotics, and an overall decline of joint function. 14 Currently, the reported rate of deep, postoperative infection for elbow arthroscopy ranges from 0% to 2.2%.…”

Basics of Elbow Arthroscopy Part III: Positioning and Diagnostic Arthroscopy in the Lateral Decubitus Position

“…[7][8][9] While advances in arthroscopic techniques have allowed improved access and better treatment of intra-articular pathology, proper patient positioning remains a key component of the procedure (Table 2). Lateral decubitus positioning avoids the potential downsides of prone positioning, including limited airway access, while offering the advantages of access to both the anterior and posterior compartments and the ability for dynamic motion (flexion, extension, pronation, and supination) and intraoperative assessment of all structures 1 (Table 1).…”