A simple device in shoulder arthroscopy: the suture assistant.
Arthroscopic reconstructive surgery in the shoulder is an extremely demanding. The advent of suture anchors, arthroscopic knot-tying techniques, and new arthroscopic instruments has greatly facilitated its development. Knowledge of the anatomy and surgical principles alone are not enough. Good visualization is critical. We describe a simple home-made device that can be very useful in improving visualization and in helping to retrieve sutures during the knot-tying stage, especially in smaller shoulders. We introduce the concept of "bringing the suture" to the instrument rather than "taking the instrument to the suture."
Yip
Daniel K H
DK
Division of Sports and Arthroscopic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. dkhyip@hku.hk
Wong
Jimmy W K
JW
D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D001864:Bone Wires; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*