The anterior approach to the shoulder from the lateral position.

An alternative method of operating on the anterior structures of the shoulder is presented. With the patient in the decubitus lateral position, the joint is readily accessible without cutting the conjoined tendon or performing an osteotomy of the coracoid process. The lateral decubitus positioning of the patient allows the surgeon to reinsert the arthroscope into the shoulder after open surgery to check the repair. This approach eliminates repositioning the patient to the supine position. It can be performed without a surgical assistant if the scrub technician is able to rotate the arm at certain times during the operation.