Elbow arthroscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera through tiny incisions to diagnose and treat problems inside the elbow, such as loose fragments, stiffness, and cartilage damage. Dr. Hunter performs elbow arthroscopy in Columbia when non-surgical care does not resolve elbow pain, catching, or stiffness.
Lee Hunter performs elbow arthroscopy in Columbia when it is the right step, and reviews every alternative with you first.
Who performs elbow arthroscopy in Columbia?
Lee Hunter is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who performs elbow arthroscopy in Columbia, TN. Dr. Hunter sees patients at the practice in Columbia; appointments can be requested through this site.
What do patients ask most?
What can elbow arthroscopy treat?+
Are the incisions small?+
Why is therapy important after surgery for stiffness?+
How long until I recover?+
What is Elbow Arthroscopy?
The elbow is a hinge joint where the upper-arm bone meets the two forearm bones.
Loose pieces of cartilage or bone, worn surfaces, inflamed tissue, or scarring can cause pain, catching, locking, or trouble fully bending and straightening the arm.
Elbow arthroscopy, arthroscopy meaning a small camera passed through tiny incisions, lets the surgeon see inside the joint and treat many of these problems through small openings. Fine instruments can remove loose fragments, smooth cartilage, remove inflamed tissue, or release scar tissue that limits motion.
Because the incisions are small, elbow arthroscopy is used both to find the cause of stubborn elbow problems and to treat them. It is usually done as an outpatient.
What happens during Elbow Arthroscopy, step by step?
The surgeon makes a few small incisions around the elbow and inserts a thin camera and fine instruments.
The joint is filled with fluid so the surgeon can see clearly on a screen. Depending on what is found, the surgeon may remove loose bone or cartilage fragments, smooth damaged surfaces, remove inflamed lining, or release scar tissue to improve motion. Because important nerves run near the elbow, the surgeon works carefully around them. Your physician will explain what was found and done.
What is recovery like after Elbow Arthroscopy?
Recovery depends on what was treated.
A clean-up of loose fragments often allows a quicker return, while a release for stiffness usually needs early therapy to keep the motion that was gained. Many people return to light activity within a few weeks, with fuller recovery over one to three months, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises. Hand and elbow therapy is commonly used to rebuild motion and strength. Your physician will tailor the plan.
Read the full guide to preparing for surgery →
Your own recovery instructions come from the office and are specific to you. This page describes the general course, not a plan to follow.
How do payments work?
Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.
Trained at Campbell Clinic (Orthopaedic Surgery Residency). Sees patients in Columbia.
About Dr. Hunter →