Arthroscopy of the Elbow: A Minimally Invasive Solution by Leading Elbow Specialist in London

When elbow pain or restricted motion starts to affect your daily life—whether from injury, arthritis, or other conditions—seeking professional help becomes essential. Thankfully, modern orthopaedic procedures like arthroscopy of the elbow provide effective and minimally invasive solutions for various joint problems. In this article, we’ll explore what elbow arthroscopy involves, who may need it, its benefits, and why seeing an elbow specialist in London like Mr. Jagwant Singh can make all the difference in your recovery.

What Is Elbow Arthroscopy?

Elbow arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat issues inside the elbow joint using a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through tiny incisions. The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see the joint in great detail without making a large incision. Additional instruments can be inserted through other small openings to repair damaged tissue.

This keyhole surgery is commonly used to treat:

Loose bodies in the joint (bone or cartilage fragments)
Elbow arthritis (inflammatory or osteoarthritis)
Synovitis (inflamed joint lining)
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Elbow stiffness and contractures
Osteochondritis dissecans (cartilage damage)
Bone spurs or scar tissue

Who Needs Elbow Arthroscopy?

Patients experiencing ongoing elbow pain, stiffness, locking, or swelling that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments (like physiotherapy or medications) may be candidates for arthroscopy. It’s especially beneficial for individuals with:

Recurrent elbow injuries
Work-related or sports injuries
Degenerative joint disease
Past trauma that has resulted in poor elbow mobility

A consultation with an experienced elbow specialist in London can help determine whether elbow arthroscopy is the right approach based on your symptoms and diagnostic imaging.

Benefits of Elbow Arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy offers many advantages over traditional open surgery:

Smaller incisions leading to minimal scarring
Less post-operative pain
Faster recovery times
Lower risk of complications like infections
Improved joint mobility and function

Because the procedure is less invasive, patients often return to their normal routines sooner, including desk work, light lifting, or non-contact sports.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Performed under general or regional anesthesia, the procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity. Here’s a brief overview:

The surgeon makes two or more small incisions around the elbow.
A saline solution is pumped into the joint to expand it for better visibility.
The arthroscope is inserted, and images are viewed on a monitor.
Surgical instruments are used to treat the affected areas.
The incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile tapes.

You may be able to go home the same day, although this depends on the extent of the treatment.

Recovery After Elbow Arthroscopy

Recovery is usually straightforward. Patients may need to:

Wear a sling or bandage for a few days
Take pain-relief medication as prescribed
Begin gentle physiotherapy within a week
Gradually resume normal activities within 2–6 weeks

It’s vital to follow your specialist’s rehabilitation plan to ensure a full recovery. The majority of patients experience significant improvement in pain and function.

Why Choose an Elbow Specialist in London?

Having your procedure done by an experienced and fellowship-trained elbow specialist in London, like Mr. Jagwant Singh, ensures that you’re receiving expert care tailored to your specific condition. Mr. Singh has years of experience managing complex elbow disorders using advanced arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques.

He consults privately at top hospitals including:

The Princess Grace Hospital
The London Clinic
Spire London East
Blackheath Hospital

Mr. Singh is not only a respected surgeon but also a leader in research, teaching, and innovation in upper limb orthopaedics. His patient-first approach ensures accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and exceptional outcomes.

When to See an Elbow Specialist

If you’re dealing with:

Persistent elbow pain or swelling
Restricted range of motion
Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
Clicking or locking in the elbow

…it’s time to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent long-term damage and improve your quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Arthroscopy of the elbow is a safe and highly effective procedure to diagnose and treat a wide range of elbow conditions. For residents of London and nearby areas, seeking care from a skilled elbow specialist in London like Mr. Jagwant Singh ensures you receive the most advanced treatment options available.

Don’t let elbow pain limit your life. Book a consultation today to explore whether elbow arthroscopy is right for you and take the first step towards recovery.