A Modern, Minimally Invasive Solution for Elbow Pain, Stiffness, and Injury

At SIGMA Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we believe the elbow is more than a joint — it’s essential for strength, precision, performance, and daily function. When pain, stiffness, catching, or injury limits your life, our goal is not just to fix the problem — but to restore full capability using data, precision, and an elite standard of care. Our Elbow Arthroscopy Program combines minimally invasive surgical techniques with advanced imaging, regenerative medicine, and our 100-Day Success Pathway to help patients return to daily life, work, and sport stronger than ever. Whether your symptoms come from overuse, trauma, arthritis, or a sports-related injury, the SIGMA approach provides a clear, structured, and measurable path to recovery.

Watch: How Elbow Arthroscopy Restores Motion and Relieves Pain

This short video walks you through what happens during elbow arthroscopy — how tiny incisions, a high-definition camera, and precision instruments allow us to diagnose and treat many elbow problems with less pain, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery. At SIGMA, elbow arthroscopy is paired with personalized rehabilitation and outcomes tracking to help you regain motion and confidence quickly.

What Is Elbow Arthroscopy?

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Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the elbow joint through tiny incisions. The camera displays detailed images on a screen, allowing the surgeon to diagnose and treat issues inside the joint with remarkable accuracy.

Because the arthroscope and instruments are very small, elbow arthroscopy typically results in:

  • Less pain
  • Smaller incisions
  • Lower infection risk
  • Faster recovery
  • Earlier return to work, activity, and sport

Conditions Treated With Elbow Arthroscopy

At SIGMA, we commonly perform elbow arthroscopy for patients experiencing:

  • Persistent elbow pain or swelling
  • Limited range of motion or stiffness
  • Locking or catching sensations
  • Loose bodies within the joint
  • Cartilage damage or degeneration
  • Tendon or ligament injuries
  • Arthritis and joint inflammation
  • Osteochondral injuries
  • Synovitis (inflamed joint lining)
  • Bone spurs affecting motion

If conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, injections, or medications haven’t helped, arthroscopy may be your next step.

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The SIGMA Difference: Outcomes-Driven, Data-Guided Care

We do not perform surgery in isolation — we place it within a complete clinical pathway designed to maximize your results. Here’s what sets SIGMA apart:

Precision Evaluation & Advanced Imaging

We use ultrasound, X-ray, MRI review, and motion testing to understand your specific elbow mechanics and diagnose subtle joint abnormalities.

The 100-Day Success Pathway

Your recovery is measured, structured, and optimized through our proprietary 100-Day Success Model.

We track:

  • Pain reduction
  • Motion and flexibility
  • Strength gains
  • Functional milestones
  • Activity-based goals (work, sport, lifestyle)

Regenerative & Orthobiologic Integration

When appropriate, we integrate orthobiologic options like PRP, A2M, and biologic injections to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and protect the joint long term.

Elite Surgical Technique

Dr. McCormick uses the most advanced arthroscopic methods to restore normal biomechanics while minimizing collateral tissue disruption.

Outcome Tracking Through PatientIQ

We collect real patient-reported outcomes and functional scores over time, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement in your care.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

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Elbow arthroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Here’s a general overview:

  1. Anesthesia – You’ll receive regional or general anesthesia for comfort.
  2. Small Incisions – Tiny portals (usually 2–4) allow entry of the arthroscope and instruments.
  3. Joint Examination – The interior of the elbow is inspected thoroughly.
  4. Treatment – Loose bodies are removed, bone spurs shaved, cartilage cleaned, and soft tissue repaired as needed.
  5. Closure – Incisions are closed with a few small sutures or skin adhesive.
  6. Recovery – You’ll leave the same day with a guided plan for early motion and safe activity progression.

Procedures often take 45–75 minutes, depending on complexity. 

Recovery & The SIGMA 100-Day Plan

Recovery varies depending on the condition treated, but most patients follow a structured timeline:

Day 0–14:

  • Pain and swelling reduction
  • Early range-of-motion exercises
  • Gentle stretching
  • Sling use if needed

Weeks 2–6

  • Increasing motion
  • light functional use
  • Progressive strengthening
  • Scar tissue mobility

Weeks 6–12

  • Strength and endurance development
  • Work-related or sport-based progressions
  • Advanced mobility training

By Day 100

Many patients have regained:

  • Comfortable daily motion
  • Strong grip and lifting mechanics
  • Confidence in the elbow
  • Ability to return to work, training, and sports

We track your progress digitally using PatientIQ to ensure you’re meeting your milestones.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Elbow Arthroscopy?

You may benefit from elbow arthroscopy if you:

  • Have ongoing pain despite conservative care
  • Experience stiffness limiting daily activity
  • Have a known mechanical issue (bone spur, loose body, tear)
  • Suffer from repetitive-use or sports-related injuries
  • Want a minimally invasive solution with faster recovery
  • Need to return to work or sport quickly

During your consultation, we’ll explore your goals and determine whether arthroscopy is the right path for you. 

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Why Choose SIGMA for Your Elbow Procedure?

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  • Harvard-trained orthopedic surgeon
  • Advanced arthroscopic & regenerative techniques
  • Integrated sports performance & rehab team
  • Data-driven outcomes with PatientIQ
  • Concierge-style care coordination
  • Same-day arthroscopy eligibility in select cases
  • Collaborative care with trainers, therapists, and specialists

You’re not just getting a procedure — you’re entering a system designed for success.

Schedule a Consultation With SIGMA Orthopedics

Ready to take the next step?
Our team is here to help you understand your condition, explore your options, and create a personalized plan for recovery.