Use of a Mechanical Forearm Holder During Elbow Arthroscopy in Lateral Decubitus Position

Proper patient positioning is a key consideration when performing elbow arthroscopy. The lateral decubitus position for arthroscopic management of a variety of elbow disorders has recently gained popularity among elbow surgeons. There are several advantages of the lateral decubitus position. However, the elbow rests in 90° of flexion with the hand hanging free, and an assistant is required to maintain any adjustment to the elbow's flexion angle. This article describes how a commercially available low-profile multi-articulated mechanical upper-limb holder may be used as a mechanical forearm holder in conjunction with a classic static arm support to provide stable positioning of the elbow in space during elbow arthroscopy. This technique simply and reproducibly provides an effective means to temporarily or permanently maintain the elbow joint in any desired degree of extension or flexion during elbow arthroscopy without the need for an assistant.