[Arthroscopy of the shoulder with the patient in beach-chair position]

The authors describe a technique of arthroscopy in the "beach chair" position, that they have exclusively used since 1989. The classical setting in lateral decubitus takes a long time and can be the cause of complications especially neurological due to the traction. In the chair position, the vision of the intraarticular structures is identical to the lateral position, and the absence of traction avoid the neurological complication. Another advantage is the quick and easy setting; the locoregional anesthesia is easy to use, it is possible to practice an open surgery without changing the setting. All these advantages lead the authors to propose this position for all arthroscopy of the shoulder whether diagnostic or therapeutic.