ABSTRACT
The supine position is by for the most common position that anaesthetist will use. The biggest risks are to the eyes, compression damage to soft tissues and nerve injury. Ensure that the head is in a neutral position in order to prevent stretching the brachial plexus. Even gentle pressure sustained over a long time can injure an anaesthetised patient. Prevent ventilator tubing resting on patients, especially when the head is covered by drapes. The upper body positioning is the same as the supine position. The legs are placed in gutters and raised with the hips and knees flexed. The bottom end of the table is then removed to allow the surgeon access to the pelvis. The lateral position is used mainly for orthopaedic surgery. The brachial plexus and ulnar nerve are at risk. The prone position is a complicated position that carries a high risk of ocular, nerve and soft tissue damage if it is not performed correctly.
