The Supine Position for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is traditionally performed with the patient in either the beach chair position or the lateral decubitus position. Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. The main topics for consideration include ease of surgery, view into the surgical field, risks to the patient, and economics of the setup. In the lateral decubitus position, it is inconvenient to work through the anterior portal and it is difficult to convert to an open procedure. In the beach chair position, it is difficult to manage the airway and cerebral oxygenation and the patient's head and the beach chair frame obstruct the insertion of a scope into the superior and posterior portals. This technical note presents the supine position for shoulder arthroscopic surgery. The supine position does not have the disadvantages of the traditional positions. In addition, it is comparatively easy to set up and comfortable for the patient.