Ewha Med J.  2023 Oct;46(4):e15. 10.12771/emj.2023.e15.

The Recent Surgical Treatment of Elbow Pain

• Kholinne E
• Jeon Ih
• Kwak JM

• KMID: 2547919
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2023.e15

Abstract

The review article explores recent advances in the surgical treatment of elbow pain, a common ailment that can significantly impair daily functioning. With a surge in elbow-related conditions such as tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, and nerve compression disorders, the necessity for surgical approaches has become paramount. This article provides an overview of the cutting-edge procedures now available, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. These modern methods have been shown to significantly reduce recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes. The combination of surgical management and targeted rehabilitation ensures a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for patients with various elbow pathologies. This article aims to shed light on these recent surgical interventions and their potential for advancing the management of elbow pain, emphasizing the ongoing trend toward precision, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

Keyword

Elbow; Tennis elbow; Elbow tendinopathy

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) release. A lateral capsular tear due to significant ECRB common extensor group degeneration can be observed, which is a sign of chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow (A). ECRB release with preservation of the other extensor group of the extensor carpi radialis longus is possible using arthroscopic technique (B).

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  Fig. 2. Open flexor tendon release and repair with lengthening for surgical treatment of medial epicondylitis. The pathologic target anatomy was reflected and debridement using curettage of the bone-tendon interface was performed (A). The reflected flexor and pronator group was repaired using transosseous fixation (B).

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  Fig. 3. Pathologic inflamed plica (A). After arthroscopic resection of the pathologic plica (B).

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  Fig. 4. Summary of the CT-based classification for primary elbow osteoarthritis. More than 50% involvement of the fossa is defined as an “involved fossa.” “Joint space narrowing” is defined as the presence of a gap of more than 1 mm in the ulnohumeral joint in more than 50% of the joint space on the reference section. Grade 0: no involved fossa with intact joint space. Grade 1: uni-compartmentally involved fossa with an intact joint space. Grade 2: bi-compartmentally involved fossa with an intact joint space. Grade 3: joint space narrowing regardless of the state of the fossa.

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  Fig. 5. Arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty. Loose body in the coronoid fossa; the asterisk (*) denotes an osteophyte in the coronoid process (A). Clearance in the olecranon fossa and process with anterior capsulectomy (B).

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  Fig. 6. Ulnar nerve compression due to the two thick heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon (B). The ulnar nerve was freely decompressed all the way around the cubital tunnel (C).

Reference

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