The arthroscopic "subdeltoid approach" to the anterior shoulder. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Surgical management of shoulder pathologies has evolved tremendously during the past 3 decades, such that many lesions previously treated with open techniques are now addressed arthroscopically. Despite this movement, many surgeons and outcome studies continue to prefer open repairs as the gold standard, criticizing--with good reason--the reliability, reproducibility, and extended operative time of arthroscopic repairs, particularly with respect to anterior stabilizations and subscapularis repairs. With this in mind, we present the arthroscopic "subdeltoid approach," a novel standardized exposure technique for extracompartmental anterior shoulder arthroscopy. We define the subdeltoid space as the fascial plane bound superiorly by the acromion and coracoacromial ligament, medially by the coracoid and the conjoint tendon, inferiorly by the musculotendinous insertion of the pectoralis major to the humerus, and laterally by the lateral border of the humerus. When coupled with existing arthroscopic tools, this space dramatically enhances our ability to apply open techniques to some of the more challenging anterior shoulder pathoanatomy and expand the indications and efficacy of arthroscopy. This exposure technique has been used in more than 300 cases during the past decade to treat a myriad of shoulder pathologies, without any longstanding postoperative complications.

publication date

  • January 11, 2013

Research

keywords

  • Arthroscopy
  • Joint Diseases
  • Shoulder Joint

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84875367080

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.jse.2012.09.006

PubMed ID

  • 23313368

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 22

issue

  • 4