Elbow arthrotomy: Surgical procedure to diagnose & treat elbow conditions
Elbow arthrotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the elbow joint to gain access to the joint space. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and is used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the elbow joint, including arthritis, fractures, and dislocations. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the elbow joint and carefully dissect through the soft tissues to expose the joint capsule. The capsule will then be opened, allowing the surgeon to visualize the joint and assess any damage or abnormalities. Depending on the findings, the surgeon may perform additional procedures, such as removing damaged tissue or repairing fractures. Once the procedure is complete, the incision will be closed and the patient will be monitored closely for any signs of complications. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks.