My Spine - Cervical
Figure 8.4
The picture above demonstrates a regular set-up in a spinal theatre. The
theatre table in the foreground is a specialised spinal surgery table which is
composed to a large degree of carbon-fibre and has no central supporting
post. This allows for the X-ray machine to pass underneath and for the X-rays
to penetrate through the table, allowing the specialist to visualise the anatom-
ical structures and instrumentation used in spinal surgery.
ote the X-ray machine in position as it would be utilised during surgery. The
screen is positioned at the top-end of the table so that the specialist can see
it comfortably without having to turn his head. In the background the anaes-
thetic machine is positioned close to the patient’s head for optimal safety, so
that the anaesthetist is as close as possible to the patient’s all important air-
way. It is important to understand that there are many variations on this
theme and that your specialist might utilise a completely different set-up for
technical and practical reasons that prevail in your area.
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