Draping for shoulder surgery in the beach chair position can be an awkward procedure. We suggest a technique using a single transparent hip fracture fixation drape. The prepared arm is placed through a hole previously cut in the central window of the drape. The adhesive area is secured around the operative site and the drape is then positioned across a bar as for hip fracture surgery (Fig. 1). Once applied, it allows the anaesthetist complete access to the patient. The drape is readily available, disposable, cheap and has a large pocket to collect excess fluid.
Figure 1.
Set up for shoulder surgery using hip fracture fixation drape.