US Patent 7290302 Back surgery platform

An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position (lying facedown) for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus also eliminates the use of various improvised support structures (such as pillows, bedding, rolls, padding) stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while in a prone position on the operating table.