User:Sunmedica/sandbox

Surgical positioning device is a device or equipment that is meant to be used to correctly position and hold a patient in a specific position during the surgery. Most surgery is meant to done in a specific order or process of steps. These surgical processes have usually been performed time and time again so that any chance for error has been removed over repeated use of the process. Surgical positioning device are meant to ensure that these steps can be performed without the patient moving during the procedure so that the precise measurements needed can be performed without having to re-position the patient again and again. The reasoning in selecting a particular type of surgical positioner is based on what type of surgery will be performed, what method will be used and this determines which surgical positions the patient will be in during the surgery. Often a patient must be placed in an unnatural position to gain access to the surgical site.

Surgical positioning normally occurs after the administration of anesthesia.

Surgical positioning device selection is made prior to surgery and is made after considering relevant physical and physiological factors, such as body alignment, circulation, respiratory constraints, and the musculatory system to prevent stress on the patient. Physical traits of the patient must also be considered including size, age, weight, physical condition, and allergies.

Factors influencing choice of positioning device
During surgery the patient is held for an extended period of time in specific position(s). There are many types of positioners available and these include foam positioners, gel pads, arm holders, leg preppers, hip/leg holders, bean bags], vacuum bags, straps and even specialized surgical tables. When considering which type of positioning device to use it is critical to also consider which stresses/pressures will be experienced by the patient's body during the surgery.

Changing positions
Depending on the type of surgery, it may be important that the patient's position is not changed as this will alter the measurements necessary to install a specific type of implant. But in not changing the patient position, the stresses against the body continue to build and that is why other types of padding/gels/straps are used.