Table 1.

Comparison of lateral decubitus and beach chair positioning.

	Lateral Decubitus	Beach Chair
Advantages	1. Traction increases space in the glenohumeral joint and subacromial space. 2. Operating table/patient’s head not in the way of postero-superior shoulder. 3. Bubbles move laterally away from the field of view. 4. Decreased risk of cerebral hypoperfusion.	1. Anatomic position. 2. Anterior portal is easily accessible. 3. No need to re-position if converting to open procedure.
Disadvantages	1. Non-anatomic orientation. 2. Must reach around arm for anterior portal. 3. Risk of neurovascular injury with traction. 4. Must re-position when converting to open procedure.	1. Risk of cerebral hypoperfusion. 2. Potential mechanical block to using the arthroscope due to the supportive device located at the posterior aspect of the medial border of the scapula. 3. Risk of eye injury with facemask.