Shoulder arthroscopy positioning: lateral decubitus versus beach chair

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• The beach chair position is widely used for shoulder arthroscopy.
• Surgeons often standardize patient positioning regardless of pathology.
• Both beach chair and lateral decubitus positions have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the beach chair and lateral decubitus positions for shoulder arthroscopy.
• To evaluate setup, surgical visualization, access, and patient risks associated with each position.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence comparing beach chair and lateral decubitus positions.
• Analysis of factors including surgical efficiency, efficacy, and safety profiles.

Main Results:

• No definitive evidence supports one position over the other for overall superiority.
• Each position offers unique benefits and drawbacks concerning surgical access and visualization.
• Patient risk profiles are comparable between the two positions.

Conclusions:

• The choice between beach chair and lateral decubitus position in shoulder arthroscopy remains debated.
• Current literature does not establish a clear advantage for either position in terms of outcomes or safety.
• Surgeons should consider procedural specifics and individual patient factors when selecting a position.