Arthroscopic débridement for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow: analysis of preoperative factors affecting outcome

Background The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic débridement and to identify preoperative factors that influence the outcome. Methods Forty-three elbows with primary osteoarthritis in 43 patients treated with arthroscopic débridement were retrospectively evaluated. At a mean follow-up of 38 months (range, 18-77 months), the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, the arc of elbow motion, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score were assessed. The relationships between postoperative MEPI score and postoperative motion arc and preoperative factors including age, sex, involvement of the dominant arm, duration of symptoms, demand of elbow activity, VAS score, previous history of failed surgery, and arc of elbow motion were statistically evaluated. Results The mean VAS score for pain, the mean arc of flexion-extension, and the mean MEPI score significantly improved after the operation (all P values