Background: The present study quantifies the field of view (FOV) from standard arthroscopy portals and aims to identify anatomical regions where the FOV is limited.
Methods: Eleven cadaveric elbows were examined through standard anteromedial, anterolateral and posterior portals. The FOV was marked with dye using a spinal needle. The articular surfaces were then exposed and the percentage FOV seen was calculated. FOV percentage areas were compared using a Student's t-test (JMP, version 10, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean (SD) FOV percentage area seen from the anteromedial portal and anterolateral portal was 91.69% (3.63%) and 92.03% (3.93%), respectively, for the anterior humerus articular surface. There was no significant difference in the mean FOV percentage area seen from the anteromedial and anterolateral portals (p = 0.99). The mean (SD) FOV percentage area of the posterior humerus articular surface was 84.69% (2.28%). The mean (SD) FOV percentage area seen of the radial head and trochlear was 16.05% (2.66%) and 4.14% (1.76%), respectively.
Conclusions: The present study is the first to quantify the FOV of elbow arthroscopy. The majority of the anterior and posterior humerus articular surface can be seen through standard portals. The limitations in FOV are primarily confined to the radial head and trochlear notch.
Keywords: 30° arthroscope; elbow arthroscopy; field of view.