The application of traction has enhanced views during arthroscopic shoulder surgery, easing visualization and accurate intervention within the shoulder joint and the subacromial space. Many innovative traction techniques are currently employed, including the use of padded traction equipment attached to boom arms and further, pedal-activated, hydraulic traction equipment. Variations in patient positioning and cost-benefit analysis of the use of traction in both beach chair and lateral decubitus positions have been performed in the literature. We demonstrate the use of readily available, simple and inexpensive resources in the beach chair position, allowing the application of traction with minimal set-up time and complexity. Initial equipment outlay requires a drip stand attached to a clamp at the end of the operating trolley, permitting a hook to be applied to the arm that is attached to traction cord and weights. We minimized the cost of ongoing consumable items per case to include a stockinette and benzoic tincture. The theatre team experiences a short learning curve associated with the ease of reliability and reproducibility of this technique.
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