Lateral Position

Positioning the Patient: Patient is positioned on non-operative side with the head elevated to align with the spine. Upper and lower arms are secured on separate, parallel armboards in front of the patient. Both arms are abducted. Upper leg is straight and dependent leg is flexed at the hip and knee.
Pressure Concerns: Side of face and ear, acromion process, axilla, olecranon, iliac crest, greater trochanter, lateral knee, malleolus, feet
Common Surgical Procedures: Thorax, kidney, retroperitoneal, hip