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What Positions Are Used in a Anterior Spine Surgery?

Anterior spine surgery is a type of procedure in which the spine is approached from the front of the body rather than the back. The patient may be placed in one of a few different positions, depending on the specific operation.

  1. Significance

    • Some spinal surgeries cannot be performed with the patient lying in the traditional prone, or facedown, position.

    Types

    • The most common anterior spinal procedures are fusions of the lumbar or cervical spine.

    Lateral Decubitus Position

    • In the lateral decubitus position, the patient is lying on either the right or left side. The term "decubitus" means simply "in a lying position."

    Dorsal Decubitus Position

    • In the dorsal decubitus position, the patient is lying flat on his back. Medical professionals often also refer to this position as "supine."

    Considerations

    • While the idea of anterior spinal surgery runs contrary to the traditional mental image of back operations, it is considered to be less intensive---with lower potential for complications---than posterior spinal surgery.

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