Radiographic evaluation of the glenohumeral joint space in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach-chair position.

Background: Shoulder arthroscopy can be performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus or beach-chair position, but in both cases, glenohumeral (GH) joint spaces must be increased to improve visualization and allow access of the optical instrument. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of limb setup and longitudinal traction on the opening of the GH space with patients placed in the beach-chair (dorsal decubitus) position.

Methods: GH spaces at 3 test points corresponding to the anatomic locations of Bankart lesions were determined indirectly from radiographic images obtained from 67 patients presenting shoulder pathology with an indication for arthroscopic surgery.