Rotator cuff tear
Repair of the torn tendon cap through small access points.
Learn moreArthroscopy — keyhole surgery
Arthroscopy, the inspection of a joint from within, is a minimally invasive surgical method: camera and instruments reach the joint through small access points. I specialise in this procedure at the elbow, shoulder and wrist. Whether to operate, and whether arthroscopically, is decided by the findings.
Advantages
What the keyhole technique means for you
Small incisions
Instead of one large incision, a few small skin incisions are enough for camera and instruments. The tissue around the joint is largely spared in the process.
Early mobilisation
Because the access points stay small, the joint can as a rule be moved again early after the procedure. When you may put load on it depends on the procedure and on the healing of the tendon, ligament or cartilage.
Common complaints
What arthroscopy helps with
At the elbow, the shoulder and the wrist, the following applications, among others, come into question:
- Tennis and golfer's elbow — accompanying tendon injuries can be treated gently
- Loose bodies (corpora libera) — they cause catching and restricted movement
- Cartilage damage — acute injury or chronic damage
- Restricted movement — scarring and bone spurs are released
- Instability (LUCL injury, an injury to the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow) — ligament stability can be assessed arthroscopically under direct view
- Plica syndrome — thickened folds of the joint lining that catch
- Rotator cuff and calcific tendinitis — repair and removal of calcium deposits at the shoulder
Treatment options
What is possible arthroscopically
Which procedure comes into question follows from the findings. I carry out the following operations at the elbow, shoulder and wrist arthroscopically.
Shoulder
- Repair of the rotator cuff
- Removal of calcium deposits
- Fixation of the long biceps tendon
- Stabilisation after a dislocation
- Removal of bone spurs and of the bursa
Elbow
- The tendon insertion in tennis elbow
- Locating and removing loose bodies
- Arthrolysis for a stiff elbow
- Smoothing cartilage and taking down bone spurs
- Removing folds of the joint lining that catch
- Testing ligament stability under direct view
Wrist
- Arthroscopy of the wrist
- Treatment of TFCC injuries
- Assessment of ligament injuries
- Cartilage treatment
Frequently asked
Questions about arthroscopy
An arthroscopy is an inspection of the joint from within. A camera is brought into the joint through small access points, so that diagnosis and treatment are possible without a large incision. In everyday language the procedure is known as keyhole surgery.
Camera and instruments reach the joint through small skin incisions, and the surrounding tissue is spared in the process. Not every procedure can be carried out arthroscopically — which approach is an option is something I discuss with you on the basis of the findings.
I carry out necessary procedures at the ATOMOS Klinik Währing, the Privatklinik Döbling or the Rudolfinerhaus, and I accompany you from planning through the procedure to aftercare.
Applications
What I operate on arthroscopically
Arthroscopy is used at the elbow, shoulder and wrist — here are the most frequent reasons.
Calcific tendinitis
Removal of the calcium deposit and of the inflamed bursa.
Learn moreShoulder instability
Reattachment of labrum and capsule after repeated dislocation.
Learn moreFrozen shoulder
Release of the shrunken joint capsule when stiffness persists.
Learn moreElbow arthroscopy
Six areas of application at the elbow, from epicondylitis to the plica.
Learn moreStiff elbow
Arthrolysis: releasing scarring, taking down bone spurs.
Learn moreTennis elbow
Gentle arthroscopic treatment when complaints persist.
Learn moreTFCC tear at the wrist
Arthroscopic refixation of the discus triangularis.
Learn moreOther specialist areas
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Dr. med. Martin Eigenschink
Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology · Specialist in elbow, shoulder and hand surgery
Surgical and conservative treatment of the elbow, shoulder and hand, preferably minimally invasive. Practice at the Orthozentrum Döbling, 1190 Vienna. More about my background
Medical notice: The contents of this page serve as general information. They do not replace a medical examination, diagnosis or individual advice. Medicine is a constantly evolving field — despite careful research, no guarantee can be given that the content is fully up to date.