• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.174-178
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• 2009

Purpose: We introduce arthroscopic assisted core decompression for humeral head osteonecrosis. Operative technique: After diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy is performed using posterior and anterior portal, we make a 2 cm lateral skin incision approximately 3 cm distal to 1/3 of lateral margin of the acromion and place short gray cannula to prevent adjacent soft tissue injury when insert guide pin. Under C-arm fluoroscopic and arthroscopic guidance, 3 to 4 guide pins are inserted toward the necrotic area. Then we perform drilling using 7.0 mm reamer. Conclusion: We believe this technique is a less invasive approach and avoids the complications comparing to deltopectoral approach. Arthroscopic assisted core decompression is an effective procedure in management of early stage of the humeral head osteonecoris.