Preliminary report on arthroscopic treatment for elbow injuries and diseases / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To report the diagnostic and therapeutic effects of arthroscopic surgery on elbow sports injuries. Methods Nineteen patients with elbow diseases were treated by arthroscopic methods from January 1996 to February 2000. The modified HSS elbow rating scale was used as criteria of the efficacy. All patients were followed up for 4.5 months to 4.5 years (an average 8.6 months). Results Among nineteen patients, eleven had an excellent results, seven good, one poor, and satisfactory rate was 94.7 percent. Ten patients were satisfied greatly with the results,eight patients satisfied, one unsatisfied, the satisfactory rate was up to 94.7 percent according to the responses of questionnaire from the patients. The time resuming daily was in a medium of 7 days, and that for sports was in an average of 2.5 months. All the 11 cases of athletes and actors(actresses) resumed their previous seats. Complications occurred in 3 earlier cases, one had radial nerve temporary paralysis, the other two had residue loose bodies. Conclusion Elbow arthroscopic treatment is a reliable method with the advantages of minor trauma, quicker recovery and less traumatic manipulation. Careful pre-operative examination, selection of a safer portal of entry, and standard manipulation are very important points for the attainment of better results and less complications.