Arthroscopic Elbow Osteocapsular Arthroplasty

Abstract

Treatment of primary elbow osteoarthritis in the young active patient less than 50 years old presents a treatment challenge to the practicing orthopaedic surgeon. Following failure of nonoperative management, surgical goals are aimed at reducing pain and improving joint mobility from bony impingement. Arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty is a viable treatment option with few post-operative limitations. In contrast, total elbow arthroplasty is considered a salvage option in this patient population given the activity restrictions imposed. Osteocapsular arthroplasty combines soft tissue and bony debridement, osteophyte/loose body removal, synovectomy, capsular release, and bony contouring of the humerus and ulna to allow impingement-free range of motion.

Fig 1

(A) Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of the left elbow demonstrate degenerative changes with impinging osteophytes and preserved joint spaces. On the AP radiograph, the arrow shows olecranon tip and fossa osteophytes disrupting the normal contour of the olecranon fossa. On the lateral radiograph, yellow arrows indicate the presence of osteophytes in the anterior and posterior compartments of the elbow, filling portions of the coronoid and olecranon fossae. (B) Coronal and sagittal computed tomography (CT) slices provide better visualization of the intra-articular pathology as well as the bony morphology of the osteophytes, causing mechanical impingement during elbow extension and flexion. Loose bodies and osteophytes are seen in the olecranon fossa and coronoid fossa (arrows).

Fig 2

(A) The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with the arm draped over an elbow arm holder. Prior to prepping and draping, the examination under anesthesia is performed to confirm passive range of motion. The patient's terminal passive elbow extension is shown; the viewpoint is from that of the surgeon looking down at the extremity from the head of the bed as an assistant maximally passively extends the elbow. (B) The patient's terminal passive flexion is shown; the viewpoint is from that of the surgeon looking down at the extremity from the head of the bed as an assistant maximally passively flexes the elbow.

Fig 3

(A) The bony and soft tissue landmarks as well as potential portals to be used are marked after positioning in a lateral decubitus position and draping with the arm bent over an arm holder. The view is of the posterior elbow. On the medial side of the elbow, the olecranon tip, medial epicondyle (ME), and medial intermuscular septum are marked after palpation. Potential portals include (1) the proximal anteromedial portal (PAM) marked 2 cm proximal to the ME and anterior to the medial intermuscular septum, and (2) the direct posterior portal (DP) marked 2 cm proximal to the olecranon tip in the midline of the triceps tendon. The top of the photo is toward the shoulder, and the bottom edge of the photo is toward the hand; medial is to the right, and lateral is toward the left. (B) In a similar manner, on the lateral side of the elbow, the relevant bony landmarks and potential portals are marked including the olecranon tip, the radial head, and the lateral epicondyle (LE). Potential portals to be used are: the DP portal, the posterolateral (PL) portal approximately 1.5 cm from the proximal edge of the olecranon just lateral to the triceps tendon, the proximal anterolateral (PAL) portal approximately 1.5 cm proximal to the LE and 1 cm anterior to the lateral intermuscular septum, and the direct lateral portal (LAT), which the “soft spot” formed between the LE, radial head, and olecranon. This image is taken from the viewpoint of the surgeon looking down onto the posterior aspect of the elbow with the patient in the lateral decubitus position; the top of the photo is toward the shoulder and the bottom of the photo is toward the hand, with the lateral facing left and the medial facing right. (C) In a similar manner, on the lateral side of the elbow, the relevant bony landmarks and potential portals are marked including the olecranon tip, the radial head, and the lateral epicondyle (LE). Potential portals to be used are the DP portal, the posterolateral (PL) portal approximately 1.5 cm from the proximal edge of the olecranon just lateral to the triceps tendon, the proximal anterolateral (PAL) portal approximately 1.5 cm proximal to the LE and 1 cm anterior to the lateral intermuscular septum, and the direct lateral portal (LAT) which the “soft spot” formed between the LE, radial head, and olecranon. This image is taken from the viewpoint of the surgeon looking down onto the posterior aspect of the elbow with the patient in the lateral decubitus position; the top of the photo is toward the shoulder and the bottom of the photo is toward the hand, with the lateral facing left and the medial facing right.

Fig 4

(A) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis. (B) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis.

Fig 5

(A) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis. (B) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis. (C) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis.

Fig 5

(A) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis. (B) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis. (C) Viewing from the PAM portal, the anterior compartment of the elbow is evaluated. Specifically, the anterior radiocapitellar articulation is seen. Extensive synovitic fronds descending from the anterior capsule obscure visualization of the radiocapitellar joint in the top right. The anterior humeral shaft is to the left, the radial head to the right, and the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations are at the bottom of the image but obscured by synovitis.

Fig 6

(A) A posterior compartment arthroscopy is performed viewing from the posterolateral (PL) portal and working through the direct posterior (DP) portal. The synovitis and posterior joint capsule are debrided with a shaver to expose the olecranon fossa. Ablation device is used to clear the tissue from the osteophytes in the fossa and from the olecranon tip. Ablation is kept away from the ulnar nerve and the cubital tunnel. The “Before” image (on the left) demonstrates a posteromedial osteophyte encroaching on the olecranon fossa. Using a 4.0-mm hooded burr, 10-mm acorn burr and osteotomes the osteophytes are removed and the underlying native cortical bone is exposed, as seen in the “After” image (on the right). The orientation is such that proximal is toward the top of the image, distal to the bottom, medial to the right, and lateral to the left. (B) The olecranon tip is commonly resected using an arthroscopic osteotome through the DL portal with the elbow in 45° extension. Ablation is used to expose the proximal 1 cm of the tip. Final contouring of the olecranon after osteophytectomy is done using the 4.0-mm burr with the elbow in extension to prevent injury to the posterior trochlear cartilage. Satisfactory olecranon bone debridement is achieved when the articular cartilage on the trochlea can be visualized with 45° flexion. At the conclusion of debridement and contouring, the elbow should be taken through a ROM to assess for any remaining sites of impingement. A gentle manipulation in extension can help release any remaining anterior compartment contracture. The image orientation is proximal toward the top of the image, distal to the bottom, medial to the right, and lateral to the left.

Fig 7

The olecranon tip is commonly resected using an arthroscopic osteotome through the DL portal with the elbow in 45° extension. Ablation is used to expose the proximal 1 cm of the tip. Final contouring of the olecranon after osteophytectomy is performed using the 4.0-mm burr with the elbow in extension to prevent injury to the posterior trochlear cartilage. Satisfactory olecranon bone debridement is achieved when the articular cartilage on the trochlea can be visualized with 45° flexion. At the conclusion of debridement and contouring, the elbow should be taken through a ROM to assess for any remaining sites of impingement. A gentle manipulation in extension can help release any remaining anterior compartment contracture. The image orientation is proximal toward the top of the image, distal to the bottom, medial to the right, and lateral to the left.

Fig 8

Postoperative range of motion of the left elbow in flexion (top) and extension (bottom) demonstrating significant improvement in motion to near-normal elbow motion.