Fig 3.

Capsular release in the lateral decubitus position is performed on a right shoulder. The steps of the release are shown. (A) A posterior viewing portal is used with an anterior working portal to begin by releasing the rotator interval with a radiofrequency (RF) device. (B) The rotator interval is released from the biceps tendon to the superior edge of the subscapularis tendon and down to the coracoid. (C) The anterior superior capsule is released above the biceps without damaging the underlying supraspinatus. (D) The RF and shaver are used to then release the anterior capsule lying posterior to the subscapularis until the subscapularis muscle is visualized. (E, F) At the inferior position, we use an arthroscopic basket, which we find provides a more precise release to decrease potential damage to the nearby axillary nerve. The camera is switched to view from anteriorly in order to complete the posterior release. (G) The shaver and RF are used to complete the posterior superior capsular release. (H) The RF device is used to continue the posterior release inferiorly. (I) We prefer to use a basket to complete the most inferior capsular release. 1, humeral head; 2, subscapularis; 3, glenoid; 4, coracoid; 5, long head of the biceps tendon; 6, anterior superior capsule beneath the supraspinatus; 7, anterior inferior capsule; 8, posterosuperior capsule; 9, posterior capsule; 10, posterior inferior capsule.