Editorial Commentary: Elbow Arthroscopy in the Pediatric Patient—Small Lesions in a Small Joint but With a Big Impact

Elbow arthroscopy has evolved to be a powerful tool for the treatment of a broad spectrum of pathologies over the past almost 40 years. The small joint with a complex arthroscopic anatomy demands special training and exceptional skills from the orthopaedic surgeon. On the basis of this fact and in light of the close proximity of the neurovascular structures, complication rates are somewhat higher compared with other large joints such as the knee and the shoulder. Nevertheless, elbow arthroscopy has also found its way into the treatment of joint pathologies in pediatric patients. The spectrum of pathologies differs from that in the adult population, with fewer degenerative changes and many growth-related issues such as osteochondral lesions (osteochondritis dissecans) of the capitellum. Generally speaking, clinical outcomes, return to sports, and patient satisfaction are excellent and complication rates are low. The latter remains a target for further improvement in light of the many years those pediatric elbow joints have ahead.