Trendelenburg position

Not to be confused with Trendelenburg's sign.
Medical mannequin placed in the Trendelenburg position
subject is lying on their back with legs higher than their body
Trendelenburg position

In the Trendelenburg position, the body is lain supine, or flat on the back on a 15–30 degree incline with the feet elevated above the head.[1] The reverse Trendelenburg position, similarly, places the body supine on an incline but with the head now being elevated.

The Trendelenburg position is used in surgery, especially of the abdomen and genitourinary system. It allows better access to the pelvic organs as gravity pulls the intra-abdominal organs away from the pelvis. Evidence does not support its use in hypovolaemic shock, with concerns for negative effects on the lungs and brain.[2]

The position was named for the German surgeon Friedrich Trendelenburg (1844–1924).[3]

  1. ^ Ostrow, CL (May 1997). "Use of the Trendelenburg position by critical care nurses: Trendelenburg survey". American Journal of Critical Care. 6 (3): 172–6. doi:10.4037/ajcc1997.6.3.172. PMID 9131195.
  2. ^ Johnson, S; Henderson, SO (2004). "Myth: the Trendelenburg position improves circulation in cases of shock" (PDF). Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. 6 (1): 48–9. doi:10.1017/s1481803500008915. PMID 17433146.
  3. ^ Enersen, Ole Daniel. "Trendelenburg's position". Whonamedit.com. Retrieved 2009-03-04.