Complications of Lateral Decubitus Positioning During Orthopaedic Surgery

Abstract

» Lateral decubitus positioning is a nonanatomical position used for multiple orthopaedic procedures to obtain adequate surgical exposure.» Unique ophthalmologic, musculoskeletal, neurovascular, and hemodynamic complications may arise inadvertently from positioning.» Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the possible complications that may manifest from placing patients in the lateral decubitus position to adequately prevent and to properly manage them.