The use of shoulder arthroscopy in the treatment of rotator cuff and labral injuries has increased over the past decade. Concurrently, the percentage of patients who meet the criteria for obesity has also increased significantly in the United States.
We are evaluating the risk factors and prevalence of injuries to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in obese patients undergoing arthroscopy in the standard beach chair position. Furthermore, we are assessing the efficacy of the standard padding and positioning protocol in reducing the prevalence of rotator cuff and labral injuries in this specific patient demographic. We hope that our findings will help surgeons minimize this clinically significant problem and provide a point of pre-operative discussions with obese patients about these potential occurrences.