The prone position for the surgical patient: a historical review of the principles and hazards.

Since the 1940s there has been an increase in the number of patients submitted for surgery of the spinal axis necessitating use of the prone position. Specifically designed operating tables were both rare and expensive, and probably only existed in a few highly specialized centres. Apparatus which could be easily made locally and used in conjunction with normal operating tables has been invented and generally used to good effect. The important historical landmarks in these developments are traced and a review of the methods and hazards is presented. Similar methods evolved almost simultaneously in differing centres. It is recommended that the Tarlov "seated prone" position should be widely used, in view of its physiological advantages and lack of adverse reports.