Technique and indications of elbow arthroscopy. A twelve-cases report.

Aim: Describe the technique of the elbow arthroscopy and discuss their indications through a series of 12 cases and a review of the literature.

Methods: We report a retrospective study of a short series of 12 cases of elbow arthroscopy performed on 4 years. The indications of this technique were loose bodies in 7 cases, parcellar displaced fracture of radial head in 3 cases, fracture of coronoid process in one case and osseous impingement in one case.

Results: We have noted no complications and at a mean follow up of 18 months (6 to 40 months) our results were almost satisfactory.

Conclusion: Elbow arthroscopy is an effective but delicate technique. Its indications are not frequent. They are dominated by loose bodies.