Abstract
The paper describes a novel leg positioning and support mechanism for use during knee surgery. The limb is positioned by controlling hip flexion–extension and hip abduction–adduction, using the normal thigh tourniquet as an attachment point for the mechanism. The knee joint and the lower leg are not impeded by the device and the surgeon may freely test knee joint movements.
Early experience in the operating theatre indicates significant advantages in freeing the assistant surgeon for other duties, reduced physical effort, and firmer retention of the leg. The use of the leg positioning and support mechanism may permit ergonomically improved operating techniques to be developed.
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