History of Elbow Arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy was long considered as a procedure of extreme risk due to the limited intra-articular space, complex anatomy, and proximity of major nerves. These challenges contributed to a significant delay in the widespread adoption of elbow arthroscopy, long after the routine implementation of knee and shoulder arthroscopy. Over time, however, the development of innovative techniques and the refinement of surgical instruments transformed elbow arthroscopy into a safe and essential operative modality. Its progression from a cautiously approached procedure to a standard component of orthopedic practice has been driven by a series of pivotal advancements.