Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular injuries of the elbow joint in children

Experience in elbow arthroscopy in children (36 patients, 5-16 years) was presented in native literature for the first time. Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed in 4 cases, diagnostic arthroscopy + miniarthrotomy in 3 cases, diagnostic and operative arthroscopy in 29 cases. Comparative assessment of radiologic, ultrasound, CT and arthroscopic data showed evident preference of arthroscopy for the diagnosis of intra-articular elbow injuries in children. Main and additional portals decreasing the probability of neurovascular structure injury were suggested. The technique of diagnostic and operative arthroscopy was determined. The indications for the elbow arthroscopy in children were defined. In 91.7% of patients the positive outcomes with complete or almost complete restoration of elbow function were achieved.