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Dr. Garcia demonstrates his elbow arthroscopy technique in a former high level gymnast.
Dr. Garcia specializes in complex knee, shoulder and elbow sports surgeries. He has prepared a number of surgical videos below to help patients better understand their procedures. He is frequently updating his surgical video database so check back soon for further updates.
In this video, Dr. Grant H. Garcia demonstrates an elbow arthroscopy and loose body removal technique performed on a 24-year-old former high-level gymnast who presented with joint locking and significant pain.
Procedure Overview
- Portal Creation: The procedure begins by creating an anteromedial portal for viewing and an anterolateral working portal equipped with a small cannula.
- Synovium Clearance: A portion of the synovium is carefully removed, taking strict care to avoid any damage beyond the joint capsule.
- Loose Body Fragmenting: Once the loose body is identified, rather than risking neurovascular injury by pulling a large mass through the restricted space of the elbow joint, Dr. Garcia uses a technique to break the loose body into smaller, more manageable halves.
- Extraction: The fragments are systematically removed using grasping instruments. Precision is key during this phase to ensure no pieces get entrapped in the surrounding tissue, which would necessitate dangerous dissection near the radial nerve.
- Final Evaluation: After removing the fragments, the joint is thoroughly checked. Suction is strictly limited to prevent pulling in the joint capsule and causing neurovascular damage. Dr. Garcia concludes by milking the area for any remaining debris and evaluating both the olecranon and the radiocapitellar joint to ensure no further issues remain.
