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