Beach-chair lateral traction position using a lateral decubitus distracter in shoulder arthroscopy

The beach-chair traction position is designed to allow the use of traction while allowing the surgeon to orient the shoulder in an upright position and convert to an open procedure, if necessary. The patient is placed in the beach-chair position under general anesthesia. A three-point shoulder holder (Arthrex, Naples, Florida) is attached to the rail of the operating table on the same side as the surgeon, whereas it is placed on the side opposite the surgeon in the lateral decubitus position. A shoulder traction and rotation sleeve (Arthrex) are affixed to the arm following the manufacturer's instructions. Positioning the thumb toward the closed side of the sleeve ensures a field for the anterior portion of the rotator cuff and prevents the tendency of the suspension apparatus to place the arm in internal rotation. The arm is maintained in 30 to 40 degree abduction and 30 to 40 degree flexion by controlling the length and height of the bar and the location of the universal clamp. The universal clamp allows multiple planes of adjustment to control abduction and forward movement of the arm. The sleeve is attached to the longitudinal traction cable using a sterile hook, and a lateral strap is secured around the proximal portion of the sleeve to the overhead traction cable to ensure a field for glenohumeral reconstruction. The use of a lateral strap permits ideal shoulder positioning for improved access to the anterior and inferior glenohumeral joint. The lateral strap can be released or removed to widen the subacromial space during subacromial decompression or rotator cuff repair. A 10-lb weight is attached to the longitudinal traction cable for an average-sized person.