New kneeling attachment and cushioned face rest for spinal surgery.

Surgical frames, kneeling attachments, and special operating tables for lumbar spinal surgery are designed to promote good positioning, lower the intraabdominal pressure, and reduce epidural bleeding. The frame reported here fulfills these objectives and produces either lumbar spinal extension to reduce paraspinal muscle tension or mild flexion to distract the neural arches. The new frame unit is made of lightweight fiberglass and aluminum, weighing only 14 lb (6.5 kg), and utilizes the hydraulic elevator pump of the operating table as a means to raise or lower the frame. Thus, adjusting the horizontal plane of the lumbar spine requires no separate crank system. The anterior tibial cushions, lying in hemicylindrical troughs, and the ergonomically designed cushions for chest and buttocks improve the distribution of body weight. A new, fully adjustable, cushioned face rest is used to maintain the neck in a neutral position, with the patient placed fully face-down.