Arthroscopic Versus Open Elbow Debridements Among ABOS Part II Candidates: A Decline in Arthroscopic Volume yet Fewer Complications After Arthroscopic Procedures

Background: Loose body removal and debridement remain common indications for elbow arthroscopy. Purpose: To (1) identify trends in elbow arthroscopy versus open procedures for loose body removal and debridement among American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II Oral Examination candidates and (2) compare the use of elbow arthroscopy among candidates with different fellowship training backgrounds. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: < .05). Results: < .001). Conclusion: In this study of patients treated by ABOS Part II Oral Examination candidates, with the largest population of patients undergoing elbow arthroscopy to date, rates of elbow arthroscopy have decreased over the past decade, although surgeons with sports medicine, hand and upper extremity, and/or shoulder and elbow fellowship training demonstrate a proclivity toward arthroscopic rather than open procedures. Overall rates of complication were lower following arthroscopic approaches in this cohort of surgeons.