Elbow osteoarthritis is a common condition. The formation of bone spurs, loose bodies and capsular contracture produce disabling end-range and exertion pain, locking and stiffness.

Arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty is a minimal invasive and effective option to relieve patients’ symptoms and improve their function. It could also be a viable buy-time procedure before arthroplasty.

A retrospective review was conducted on 38 elbows with primary osteoarthritis in 37 patients (32 male, 6 female, average age of 52) who underwent arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty from Jan 2010 to Apr 2014. The mean follow-up duration was 26 months (5–56). Preoperative pain, motion, elbow function score were compared with those at the latest follow-up.

The mean flexion range improved from 105 to 126.4, extension from −35.4 to −7.2, motion arc from 71 to 118.9, and elbow function score from 60 to 92. Pain score improved from 6/10 to 1.7/10. Only one patient had the motion returned to preoperative level 16 months postoperatively, although pain score was zero. None had pain worsen, range deteriorated, diminished elbow function score, or neurological complication. One patient had deep infection and was effectively cured by arthroscopic lavage and antibiotics. One had cubital tunnel syndrome 1 month after the surgery as the elbow flexion range was gained, which was effectively cured by medial epicondylectomy.

Our clinical results reviewed that arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty provided effective and rewarding outcomes with high patient satisfaction. The development of computer aided surgical modelling and navigation assisted surgery helped to provide a better preoperative planning and increase the accuracy of arthroscopic surgery.