Table 2.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Diagnostic Shoulder Arthroscopy in the Beach-Chair Position

Advantages	Disadvantages
Anatomic alignment of shoulder facilitates visualization of structures and teaching	Head of the patient may obstruct optimal camera positioning
Ease of access to the anterior shoulder for instrumentation and visualization	Difficult visualization of the inferior glenoid for stabilization procedures
Easier access to airway for anesthesia	Increased risk of cerebral ischemia
Arm is freely mobile to facilitate visualization and instrumentation	Air/cautery bubbles in the joint may obscure view
Ease of conversion to an open procedure