New kneeling attachment and cushioned face rest for spinal surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Specialized surgical tables and frames are crucial for lumbar spinal surgery.
• Current devices aim to optimize patient positioning, reduce intra-abdominal pressure, and minimize epidural bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new surgical frame designed for lumbar spinal surgery.
• To evaluate its effectiveness in achieving desired patient positioning and physiological benefits.

Main Methods:

• The new frame is constructed from lightweight fiberglass and aluminum (14 lb).
• It integrates with the operating table's hydraulic elevator pump for height adjustment, eliminating the need for a separate crank system.
• Features include anterior tibial cushions, ergonomic chest and buttocks support, and an adjustable face rest for neutral neck positioning.

Main Results:

• The frame successfully promotes optimal positioning for lumbar spinal surgery.
• It facilitates either lumbar spinal extension (reducing paraspinal muscle tension) or mild flexion (distracting neural arches).
• Improved body weight distribution and patient comfort are achieved through advanced cushioning and adjustable features.

Conclusions:

• The described surgical frame effectively meets the objectives of improving positioning and reducing physiological complications during lumbar spinal surgery.
• Its lightweight design and integrated adjustment mechanism offer practical advantages for surgical teams.
• The frame enhances patient stability and comfort, potentially leading to better surgical outcomes.