The modified beachchair position for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: the La Jolla beachchair.

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder is usually performed in the lateral decubitus or beachchair position. The modified beachchair position described here allows arthroscopic procedures to be performed as in the lateral position yet maintains a semiupright orientation and permits conversion to open procedures as in the beachchair position. The results of this technique are reported for 50 consecutive patients with a variety of diagnoses. This modified beachchair position was found to be quickly and easily accomplished with a minimum of special equipment.