Complications of Lateral Decubitus Positioning During Orthopaedic Surgery

» Lateral decubitus positioning is a nonanatomical position used for multiple orthopaedic procedures to obtain adequate surgical exposure. » Unique ophthalmologic, musculoskeletal, neurovascular, and hemodynamic complications may arise inadvertently from positioning. » Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the possible complications that may manifest from placing patients in the lateral decubitus position to adequately prevent and to properly manage them.