Proven, dedicated positioning solutions are critical components for preventing unwanted patient sliding, skin and nerve damage. Superior skin protection and pressure distribution is a must. Pressure injury risk increases with shear force, length of surgery, and individual patient comorbidities. Ideal positioning solutions should offer:

• Clinical studies to support evidence-based decisions  
• Skin-friendly materials: immersive, enveloping, breathable, soft, moisture-wicking, etc.
• Utmost protection against nerve injury
• A safe standard-of-care for all patients, regardless of weight, BMI, age, etc.

Best-practice solutions should be implemented across surgical specialties for an elevated standard of care. Positioning systems engineered for specific applications improve both patient safety as well as operating room efficiency. Ideal positioning solutions should offer:

• Unique designs that address specific positioning challenges
• Anatomical, ergonomic support
• Complete protection against nerve damage
• Materials and design focused on HAPI prevention

Utilized in more than 80% of surgical procedures, Supine positioning challenges are as varied as the position is popular. Patient positioning best-practices should be easy to implement, standardize, as well as:

• Pressure distributing
• Protecting of sensitive-skin, tissue and bony-prominences
• Designed and implemented based on clinical evidence
• Manufactured by an FDA approved supplier
• Useful in maintaining body temperature
• Skin-friendly: immersive, enveloping, breathable, soft, moisture-wicking, etc.

Advances in MIS surgery require increasingly extreme patient positioning. Combined with individual comorbidities, these factors contribute to elevated risks of pressure injury and the need for carefully designed patient positioning systems. Ideal positioning solutions should offer:

• Designs intended to mitigate the risk of nerve damage
• Materials focused on reducing the risk of HAPI formation
• A safe standard-of-care for all patients, regardless of weight, BMI, age, etc.
• Precise fitment of equipment/tables being utilized

AORN Tool Kit Preview

Xodus Medical Fracture Table Solutions

In addition to common positioning-related vulnerabilities, patients in lateral positions are at increased risk for dependent-side pressure injury. Positioning-system design should take into consideration the need to protect areas of the patient prone to pressure injury, and reduce the risk of nerve damage by limiting unwanted movement and promoting anatomical alignment. Ideal positioning solutions should offer:

• Designs intended to mitigate nerve damage risk, especially to dependent areas of the patient
• Materials designed to reduce HAPI formation
• A safe standard-of-care for all patients, regardless of weight, BMI, age, etc.
• Adaptable components (I.E., adjustable headrests to accommodate varying patient anatomies)

Specialty surgical tables may introduce unique challenges related to pressure injury prevention. Dedicated, carefully designed positioning solutions are necessary to mitigate risks associated with the heightened pressure, time, and shear forces often present on orthopedic or neurologic spine procedures. Ideal positioning systems should incorporate:

• Skin-friendly materials: immersive, enveloping, breathable, soft, moisture-wicking, etc.
• Thorough pressure-distribution characteristics
• Proper fit for specific surgical equipment

Unique, comprehensive positioning solutions are required when patients are anesthetized and seated for the duration of surgical procedures. Ideal positioning systems should include:

• Safe designs for the restraint and positioning of extremities
• Considerations for proper anatomical alignment
• Adaptability based on specific patient and procedural requirements
• Materials designed to reduce the risk of HAPI formation