Intraoperative patient positioning
Commonly used positions
The basic patient positions for surgery are supine, prone, and lateral, with the head down (Trendelenburg position) (Figure 243-1) or head up (reverse Trendelenburg). Most other positions are variations on these basic ones. Lithotomy (supine) with the legs elevated and flexed (Figure 243-2), jackknife (prone and flexed), lateral decubitus (Figure 243-3), beach chair, and sitting are commonly used positioning terms.
![image](/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/B9781437713695002520_f243-01-9781437713695.jpg)
![image](/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/B9781437713695002520_f243-02-9781437713695.jpg)