Table 1.

Pearls and Pitfalls of Elbow Arthroscopy

Pearls	Pitfalls
1. The prone or the lateral decubitus position is the preferred patient positioning for elbow arthroscopy. Both positions allow easy access to the both the anterior and posterior compartments	1. The anterolateral portal located 3 cm distal and 2 cm anterior to the lateral epicondyle places the radial nerve at significant risk and should be avoided
2. It is important to identify and mark landmarks of the elbow joint. This includes the tip of the olecranon, the medial and lateral epicondyle, the radial head, the soft spot of the elbow, the medial intermuscular septum, and the ulnar nerve	2. A subluxing ulnar nerve or a previous ulnar nerve transposition places the ulnar nerve at risk with proximal anteromedial portal placement