Table 2.
Pearls and Pitfalls of Procedure
| Reason | |
|---|---|
| Pearls | |
| Do not use artery clip to open capsule | Allows air to dissipate into soft tissues |
| Use low-pressure air to insufflate joint | Expands working space safely |
| Use intermittent low-pressure suction | Prevents collapse of working space |
| Point shaver blade away from camera | Prevents coating of camera with debris |
| Use irrigation with radiofrequency probe | Avoids heating of chondral surfaces |
| Use retractors liberally | Helps maintain safe working space |
| Use intermittent irrigation and suction | Efficiently clears bony debris |
| Irrigate joint at end of procedure | Minimizes infection risk |
| Pitfalls | |
| Avoid performing aggressive suction | Collapses working space and draws in neurovascular structures |
| Avoid making multiple passes when entering joint | Allows air to dissipate into soft tissues |
| Avoid using air insufflation in acute fractures | May predispose to air embolus due to exposed vascular surfaces |