Shoulder arthroscopy is a common procedure used to treat rotator cuff injury, impingement syndrome, and shoulder instability. It can involve general or regional anesthesia, usually with the patient in a sitting posture known as beach chair position. A study published in 20051 suggested that the combination of this posture and procedure may increase the risk of cerebral and spinal cord ischemia.
In response, other researchers have studied the use of regional (cerebral and tissue) oximetry during shoulder arthroscopy using the beach chair position. This application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology helps anesthesiologists and perfusionists monitor brain perfusion during surgery. This clinical bibliography includes several of those studies.
| 2011 | Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery | Prospective study | Lee JH, et al. Effects of beach chair position and induced hypotension on cerebral oxygen saturation in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. J Arthro and Rel Surg 2011; 27; 889-894 |
| 2011 | Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery | Literature review | Rains DD, Rook GA, Wahl CJ. Pathomechanisms and complications related to patient positioning and anesthesia during shoulder arthroscopy. J Arthro and Rel Surg 2011; 27; 532-541 |
| 2011 | Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Journal | Prospective study | Soeding PF, et al. The effect of the sitting upright or beach chair positon on cerebral blood flow during anesthesia for shoulder surgery. Anaesth Int Care 2011; 39; 440-448 |
References
1 Pohl A, Cullen DJ. Cerebral ischemia during shoulder surgery in the upright position: a case series. J Clin Anesth. 2005 Sep;17(6):463-9.