Table 2.

Common arthroscopic portals used during rotator cuff repair.

Potential purpose of portal	Portal	Location of portal
Initial viewing	Posterior	‘Soft spot’-created by the glenoid medially, humeral head laterally, and rotator cuff superiorly.
		Approximately 3–4 cm distal and 3–4 cm medial to the posterolateral corner of the acromion.
Acromioplasty	Anterolateral	In-line with the anterior acromion and 2–3 cm distal to the lateral edge.
Debridement of tear and preparation of footprint/viewing the rotator cuff tear	Lateral	In line with the posterior clavicle and 4 cm lateral to the acromion.
Subscapularis repair	Anterolateral	In-line with the anterior acromion and 2–3 cm distal to the lateral edge.