The advantage of arthroscopic evaluation of the elbow for release of the ECRB is that it eliminates a muscle splitting incision. The recovery is quicker, and patients have been shown to return to work and sports in a shorter period of time. Another advantage of the arthroscopic vs. open technique is the ability to see inside the joint and look for associated surgical pathology. Oftentimes, in a typical patient with tennis elbow, the culprit is the thickened annular ligament or a plica of the elbow that would not have been seen if the joint was not entered.
We have found this procedure can be performed by any competent elbow arthroscopist with a short learning curve. The portals are safe. The debridement is straightforward, and there are now 10 years of follow-up results equal to those of open surgery.
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