Treatment: Elbow Arthrolysis

If you have severe stiffness in your elbow, an Arthrolysis may be recommended.

Overview

Bookings: bookings.orthopaedics@onewelbeck.com

Tel: 020 3653 2002

Why you might need?

Patients who have reported severe stiffness in their elbow may be recommended to undergo an Arthrolysis. The goal of the operation is to improve movement in your elbow. If the condition has not responded well to physio therapy, surgery is an option. Your doctor may also recommend this procedure if you have damage from arthritis or an accidental injury.

Treatment Info

This type of surgery is a day case and will often only take around an hour. It will involve the surgeon making small incisions into your elbow and inserting an arthroscope. The arthroscope is equipped with a light that will help show images to the surgeon that will guide the scope. From these images, the damage will be identified and repaired with tiny instruments included in the arthroscope. After the procedure is complete, your surgeon will close the wound with adhesive strips and apply a bandage.

Physiotherapy
Once the anaesthetic has worn off you will be free to go home. You will be asked to rest your shoulder for as long as possible. This will reduce pain levels and swelling. You may also me recommended to wear a sling to keep your arm in position. The surgeon will assess the length of time needed to wear the sling. For pain relief, over the counter medication is fine. Gradually as you get better, you will be encouraged to undergo physio therapy. It can take several weeks to recover and several months to get full mobility back.


Treatment Preparation

Your preparation needs will be tailored to you by your surgeon. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop as it increases risk of getting a chest/wound infection. Your doctor may also ask you to undergo some physio exercise to ensure you strengthen the surrounding muscles. You may be under general anaesthetic for your procedure, in which case you will be given dietary requirements prior to the surgery. We will make sure that you feel completely at ease, and give you every opportunity to ask as many questions as you’d like to your surgeon.


Treatment Risks

Like other Arthroscopy procedures, the general risks are the same.

The risks from the surgery may include:

  • Small scars on your shoulder
  • Temporary pain and stiffness around your shoulder
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to surrounding nerves or blood vessels

Treatment Programme
Elbow Arthrolysis

Introduction

Patients who have reported severe stiffness in t...

Treatment

Keyhole surgery. Typically one hour

Preparation

Tailored to individual

Risks

Scarring, infection

Aftercare

Physiotherapy, medication

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Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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Consultation Required

For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.