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breaking the sterile field.
• Clark Sockets
let you attach and lock accessories along a table's side rails,
enabling the use of arm holders and elbow devices. Some newer versions even
rotate 360 degrees, making setups faster and easier.
• Candy cane or boot stirrups
keep feet and legs secure when patients are in the
lithotomy position.
• Foot and head extensions
are critical for fracture work that involves position-
ing patients for X-rays.
• Shoulder positioners
help stabilize patients in the "beach chair" position for
improved joint access.
• Radiolucent arm tables
for upper extremity surgery can be attached to the
topside rails.
As time goes on, we're also seeing more and devices that are designed to
accommodate a wide range of body parts, which is very helpful. Along with that
versatility, the primary goals continue to be safety and reducing the need for
manpower. Over time, you'll save money if you can reduce the number of peo-
ple who have to be in the room at any given time.
Improved surfaces
In addition to attachments, the quality of table pads has improved dramatically.
Tables now come with softer gel surfaces that help reduce the skin breakdown
and neurologic injuries that can occur during longer procedures.
That's also a big concern as we deal with the challenges associated with
operating on heavier patients: As body-mass indexes climb, so do the risks of
infection and nerve damage. Softer and better padding also helps protect
extremely frail patients — such as the elderly — who tend to have a higher
likelihood of skin breakdown around bony prominences.
Heavier patients are also forcing table manufacturers to up the weight capaci-
ties of their offerings. Traditionally, a lot of beds have been built with a 300-
pound capacity. These days we routinely run up to that limit and beyond. And
T A B L E S & A T T A C H M E N T S
