Proper positioning for a lateral thoracotomy.




Proper positioning avoids injuries and facilitates surgical exposure:




    The lower arm is flexed and the upper arm is extended in
front of the head, pulling the scapula away from the operative field. Pillows are placed between the arms and legs, and an axillary (chest) roll may be positioned just beneath the dependent axilla to reduce pressure on the inferior shoulder
(it is assumed that this helps to protect the brachial plexus); care is taken to avoid pressure on the eyes and the dependent ear.

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