Arthroscopic fenestration of the distal humerus: a viable option for painful elbow impingement in sportsmen.

Open ulnohumeral arthroplasty, also known as the Outerbridge-Kashiwaghi procedure, is performed in elbow arthritis to relieve pain and improve the range of motion. A similar technique of distal humeral fenestration is applied in elbow arthroscopy to achieve pain relief in degenerative elbow arthritis. We report a possible new indication in young sportsmen with recurrent posterior elbow impingement. A professional javelin thrower and a basketball player with recurrent loose bodies, posterior impingement and a minimal extension lack were free of complaints and resumed all sports activities within 6 weeks after an arthroscopic fenestration of the distal humerus. Their elbow function remained perfect within a 2 year follow-up period. We suggest that arthroscopic ulnohumeral arthroplasty is a viable option in sportsmen with recurrent loose bodies and elbow locking due to ongoing elbow arthritis.