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Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of Open and Arthroscopic Debridement

From: Treatment of osteoarthritis of the elbow with open or arthroscopic debridement: a narrative review

Surgery

Advantages

Disadvantages

Open

-Good visualization of joint

-Soft tissue damage

-Extensive debridement possible

-Larger scars

-Larger working space

-Risk of soft tissue contraction

-Most pathologies can be addressed

-Longer rehabilitation

-Greater risk of infection and hematoma

Arthroscopic

-Minimally invasive

-Tight working space

-Smaller scars on the skin

-Risk of injury to nerves

-Less soft tissue damage

-Mainly dependent on surgeon skills

-Quicker Rehabilitation

-Cannot be used in advanced cases of osteoarthritis due to nerve adhesion