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Arthroscopy of the Elbow
The arthroscope has proven to be the ideal tool for evaluation of intra-articular pathology about the elbow. However, this has not always been the case. In 1931, Burman described early arthroscopy of the elbow joint with a 3-mm endoscope. He concluded that the elbow is “unsuitable for examination since the joint is so narrow,” only to offer a rebuttal the next year. However, it was not until 1985, when Andrews and Carson described their technique, that widespread use of the arthroscope to treat elbow pathology was adopted. Early techniques centered on evaluation of the intra-articular space, synovectomy, excision of osteophytes, débridement of osteochondral lesions, and removal of loose bodies. Recently, this has expanded to include everything from ulnohumeral arthroplasty and the treatment of lateral epicondylitis to the treatment of fractures and autograft replacement for osteochondritis dissecans. It seems as though new applications are being developed constantly.