2021 Annual Meeting Shoulder Access Pass-Point/Counterpoint: Positioning for Instability Surgery

Point/Counterpoint: Positioning for Instability Surgery – Welcome to the Future?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Brett, a West Point alum, and the speaker, an Air Force Academy graduate, debate surgical positions: beach chair vs. lateral for shoulder repairs. Historically, beach chair was favored due to limited arthroscopic skills, but now lateral is superior. The lateral position allows higher quality repairs, especially for posterior instability, with safer anchor placement and less risk to the axillary nerve. Data shows surgeons prefer lateral seven times more, with fewer complications like cerebral desaturation events common in beach chair. Lateral offers safety, better outcomes, and ease, marking it the preferred method—Brett’s beach chair approach is outdated and less safe.

Asset Caption

Dr. John Tokish

Keywords

beach chair position

lateral position

shoulder repair surgery

posterior instability

arthroscopic surgical techniques