Table 2.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Elbow Arthroscopy

Advantages	Disadvantages
1. Elbow arthroscopy can be an effective and less invasive tool to enter into the elbow joint to confirm the diagnosis of an infection, irrigate the joint, debride infected tissue, remove loose bodies and osteophytes, and treat lateral epicondylitis	1. Significant distortions of normal bony or soft tissue anatomy, previous ulnar nerve transposition, or severe ankylosis may place important neurovascular structures at risk and preclude safe entry of the arthroscope into the joint
2. Elbow arthroscopy permits a more complete visualization of the articular surface of the elbow, rapid rehabilitation, and an earlier return to work or sports	2. Iatrogenic damage to the radial nerve, posterior interosseous nerve, and ulnar nerve can occur but can be minimized with careful attention to detail. Careful portal placement is necessary to avoid damage to neurovascular structures along with the careful and judicious use of the arthroscopic shaver in the elbow joint
3.There are new frontiers of elbow arthroscopy that include the treatment of radial head, coronoid and capitellar fractures, olecranon bursitis, distal biceps tendon repair, triceps repair, and ulnar nerve release