Positioning in upper-extremity surgery

Preparation of the operating room is one of the most critical elements of success in surgery. It is frequently errors in positioning of the patient and/or the equipment in the operating suite that leads to technical failure. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons must develop algorithms for individual operations and have strategies in place for the variables inherent in surgery. The purpose of this article is to outline and describe proper and accepted techniques for positioning and room preparation for surgery of the upper extremity.