What is the Elbow Joint and Why Is It Important?

Your elbow is a hinge joint that connects three bones:

• The humerus (upper arm bone)

• The radius and ulna (forearm bones)

It allows you to bend, straighten, and rotate your arm, which is essential for daily activities like eating, lifting, writing, and throwing.

The elbow joint is supported by:

• Ligaments that stabilize the joint

• Cartilage that cushions the bones

• Tendons and muscles that help with movement

Injuries, overuse, or arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, or locking, affecting how well your arm moves and feels.

How Is the Procedure Done?

Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat problems inside the elbow joint.

Here’s how it works:

1. Small Incisions – The surgeon makes 2–3 tiny cuts around the elbow.

2. Camera Inserted – A thin camera (called an arthroscope) is inserted to view the inside of the joint on a screen.

3. Special Tools Used – Through the other incisions, small instruments are used to:

• Remove loose bone or cartilage

• Treat inflamed tissue

• Repair or smooth joint surfaces

• Release stiffness or scar tissue

Quick Recovery – Because the incisions are small, recovery is often faster and less painful compared to traditional open surgery.

Elbow arthroscopy is commonly used to treat:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

• Elbow arthritis

• Loose bodies (bone or cartilage fragments)

• Elbow stiffness or locking

• Old injuries causing pain or catching

Famous Athletes Who Returned After Elbow Joint Procedure

1. Rafael Nadal

Tennis champion: Has had multiple procedures for arm and elbow-related injuries. While not always specified as arthroscopy, his treatment history includes cleaning up joint inflammation.

2. Stephen Strasburg

MLB pitcher: Underwent elbow arthroscopy to remove bone spurs and loose bodies.

3. Noah Syndergaard 

MLB pitcher: Had elbow arthroscopy early in his career before later undergoing Tommy John surgery.

4. Clayton Kershaw 

MLB pitcher: Underwent arthroscopic surgery to address shoulder and elbow inflammation.