Orthopedic patient positioner apparatus, system, and method for hip arthroplasty

Abstract

A surgical patient positioner is described wherein a base plate includes a plurality of tracks configured to slidably couple to anterior and posterior support assemblies, useful for lateral decubitus total hip arthroplasty. The base plate is contoured to fit between the pelvis and rib cage of the patient to avoid pressuring skeletal tissue, and includes ratchet recesses coupled with quick release latches. The anterior tower includes domed pad holders that may couple to the iliac crests. The pad holder supports are slidably adjustable vertically and / or horizontally by means of latching push pins and configured for single hand operation. A lower back support plate is slidably coupled to the posterior support tower and is vertically adjustable. The positioner may be secured to the OR table by brackets and extensions coupled to the support plate and clamps coupled to the rails. Radiolucent materials may be used throughout the surgical patient positioner.

Description

Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00ORTHOPEDIC PATIENT POSITIONER APPARATUS, SYSTEM, ANDMETHOD FOR HIP ARTHROPLASTY TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an orthopedic positioner apparatus, system, and method and, in particular, to a radiolucent positioner system for supporting the pelvic skeleton of a patient for a surgical procedure using robotics and imaging during the procedure.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional positioner systems generally provide the support for the patient when undergoing a predetermined surgical procedure such as, for example, total hip arthroplasty— more commonly known as a hip replacement surgery. Prosthetic hip joints are routinely used to replace a patient’s hip joint when that joint is damaged. Currently many tens of thousands of such hip replacement operations are performed each year around the world, and that number is increasing. For total hip arthroplasty (or possibly for repairing a hip fracture), positioner systems may support a patient in a position lying on one side, commonly referred to as a lateral decubitus position.

[0003] Conventional lateral decubitus positioner systems are subject to a variety of disadvantages. First, positioners can slip during surgery thereby repositioning the body of the patient, which has adverse effects to the surgical procedure and health of the patient. Threaded fasteners are typically used to hold component parts of the system, and these fasteners have radiopaque interference and are subject to undesired loosening or slipping on account of the physical forces applied to the patient during surgery. Modern hip replacement surgeries can also use imaging and robotic equipment that require a firm immobilization of the patient. In this respect, robotic surgery typically relies on a frame of reference, such as a coordinate system, that needs to be maintained throughout the procedure— so that the robot knows where it “is” in three-dimensional space— and changing the location of the body relative to that coordinateInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00system is generally not desirable when radiopaque interference is introduced by the positioner in the frame of reference.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional hip positioners typically comprise complex structural assemblies that obstruct the surgical area to robotic arms and imaging devices such as, for example, bars, plates and extensions that restrict access to the surgical area. Obstruction of the surgical site is undesirable for at least several reasons. For one, positioners get in the way of the surgeon. For another, the positioner typically blocks radiography and imaging techniques that are desired when the patient is in position. Conventional positioner systems may have radio-opacity disadvantages where radiopaque materials with a high radio opacity interfere with imaging systems. Many component parts and base plates of conventional positioner systems are radiopaque from use of, for example, metals and metal alloys. Conventional positioner systems’ radiopaque assemblies and systems interfere with imaging particularly when the patient is positioned for surgery, such as a lateral decubitus position. For yet another, the positioner may inhibit range of motion checks where, for example, it may be desirable to flex the hip beyond 90 degrees to check range of motion and stability of the hip joint, among other reasons.

[0005] And there exists a problem that competes with size and complexity of the positioner, which is that conventional hip positioners should be versatile to accommodate patients of varying sizes. An obese patient will have different holding characteristics than a non-obese patient, for example. Similarly, a patient with a large pannus— which refers to an overgrowth of tissue, often associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (affecting joints) or in cases of morbid obesity, where it describes excess abdominal skin and fat that hangs over the lower abdomen— will require a patient positioner with the flexibility to accommodate the patient’s shape, while achieving the desired stability and holding.

[0006] Conventional hip positioner support assemblies may also have numerous parts that are often difficult to clean; even though total hip arthroplasty uses positioners that are typically non-sterile, the parts still must be sterilized between surgeries, as well as assembled, disassembled, and stored. AndInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00additionally, conventional positioners may cause damage to the patient’s tissues by virtue of the holding forces imparted to the body and / or restriction of the circulatory system, and / or other complications attributable to the pressure applied to the body. In one example, the support plate (which comes in contact with the support table and the side of the patient that is facing down, when place in the lateral decubitus position), can cause damage or post-surgical discomfort. Even though the support plate may be covered with padding, over the course of the surgery this may cause significant patient discomfort.

[0007] It is therefore desirable, and indeed a long-felt need in the industry exists, to provide an improved apparatus, system, and method of patient positioning that eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks, and other drawbacks, to produce better surgical outcomes.SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the apparatus, system, and method according to the present invention to provide a surgical patient positioner capable of improved holding characteristics, including multiple, discrete adjustments, such as pawl or ratcheting mechanisms, or the like. This disclosure contemplates providing multiple discrete adjustments that reduce or eliminate the likelihood of unintended movement, once the patient is put in the desired position, a benefit over the prior art which is achieved at least in part by pressing a physical actuator, or other positive action, that results in disengagement of an associated pawl or ratcheting mechanism, to thereby result in a movement of the patient. Accordingly, the positioning of the patient is improved.

[0009] It is another object of the apparatus, system, and method according to present invention to provide a surgical patient positioner that minimizes obstruction of the surgical area by reduction of parts. Accordingly, the invention provides surgical personnel with improved room to operate, as well as for imaging access and other purposes, such as use of a fluoroscopy C-Arm while the patient is in position. In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a support plate adapted for extended flexion of the hip and other range of motion checks conducted during the surgery.Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0010] It is another object of the apparatus, system, and method according to the present invention to provide a surgical patient positioner that is easily and intuitively adjustable, with improved versatility to accommodate patients of varying sizes and positioning requirements. For example, this disclosure contemplates embodiments of the present invention that are well suited to accommodate patients with a large pannus, without compromising on the positioning stability of the device.

[0011] It is another object of the apparatus, system, and method according to the present invention to provide a surgical patient positioner that reduces damage to the patient’s tissues and reduces post-surgical discomfort.

[0012] In one aspect, it is contemplated that the surgical patient positioner 100 may operate effectively as a three-point positioning system: (i) lower back at the rear of the pelvis, (ii) upper iliac crest, and (iii) lower iliac crest. Although other rigid mechanical positioning is concerned falling within the scope of this disclosure, such as coupling to other body parts than those provided directly above.

[0013] In another aspect, conventional latching, or holding, mechanisms may loosen over time and / or may not otherwise provide for secure holding. The surgical patient positioner 100 according to the present invention overcomes these disadvantages.

[0014] In another aspect, the surgical patient positioner 100 reduces the number of parts, thereby achieving a superior technical advantage over conventional designs.

[0015] In another aspect, the surgical patient positioner 100 reduces the number and severity of reentrant surfaces which makes the positioner 100 easier to clean and sterilize in between surgeries, in accordance with cleanliness medical standards.

[0016] In another aspect, the surgical patient positioner 100 is easier to set up because it requires no, or virtually no, threaded parts. Similarly, the quick release nature of the rachet and latch systems make takedown quicker than conventional designs.Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0017] In another aspect, both the anterior and posterior support systems are locked to the OR table.

[0018] In another aspect, solid locking mechanisms are used, instead of knobs, where the latter tend to loosen and the former do not.

[0019] In another aspect, all, or substantially all, of the components of the surgical patient positioner are made of plastic such as Delfin, which provides for a lighter system, that gives more space for the doctor to work in, is easier to set up, and is translucent, so that radiography and other imaging can be done in situ. Other materials may be substituted that achieve one or more of the desired objectives stated herein.

[0020] Other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description, the drawings, and the appended claims, when considered in view of this background.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

[0022] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a front, top, left-side perspective view of a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a back, top, left-side perspective view of a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded, front, top, left-side perspective view of a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 4A illustrates a front, top, left-side, perspective view of a base plate for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 4B illustrates a back, bottom, right-side, perspective viewof a base plate for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4G illustrates a top view of a base plate for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 4D illustrates a bottom view of a base plate for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 4E illustrates a left-side view of a base plate for a surgical patient positioner, the right-side view being a mirror image thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 4F illustrates a back view of a base plate for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 4G illustrates a front view of a base plate for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged, front, top, left-side perspective viewof an anterior support assembly for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded, enlarged, front, top, left-side perspective view of an anterior support assembly for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIGS. 7A & 7B illustrate a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly taken along the line shown in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention, demonstrating the operability thereof;Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0036] FIG. 8A illustrates an enlarged sectional view of the posterior support assembly taken along line shown in FIG. 5 with the locking pin assembly in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 8B illustrates an enlarged sectional view of the posterior support assembly taken along line shown in FIG. 5 with the locking pin assembly in the release position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly taken along the line shown in FIG. 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention, demonstrating the operability thereof;

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged, front, top, left-side, perspective view of a posterior support assembly for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded, enlarged, front, top, left-side perspective view of a posterior support assembly for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 12 is an environmental view of a patient secured to an OR table by a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 13A illustrates a front, top, left-side perspective view of a multi-slot anterior base for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 13B illustrates a top view of the multi-slot anterior base for a surgical patient positioner, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 13C illustrates a bottom view of the multi-slot anterior base for a surgical patient positioner, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 14A illustrates a back, top, left-side, perspective view of an extension bar for a surgical patient positioner, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0046] FIG. 14B illustrates a back, bottom, left-side, perspective view of an extension bar for a surgical patient positioner, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 14C illustrates a top view of an extension bar for a surgical patient positioner, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 14D illustrates a back view of an extension bar for a surgical patient positioner, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of a bracket for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0050] FIG. 15B illustrates a side view of a bracket for a surgical patient positioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that upon reading and understanding of the foregoing, certain variations to the preferred embodiments will become apparent, which variations are nonetheless within the spirit and scope of the invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations.

[0053] The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, isInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and / or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

[0054] Reference throughout this document to “some embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

[0055] The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0056] The drawings featured in the figures are provided for the purposes of illustrating some embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. The term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term “means” is not intended to be limiting.

[0057] For ease of reference, “anterior” as used herein refers to the side of a support table closest to the front side of the patient, i.e., the front of the patient faces that lateral side of the table. And “posterior” as used herein refers to the opposite side as that of the “anterior”.Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 15B, an apparatus, system, and method for securing or otherwise positioning a patient to a support table 101, such as an operating room table 101, is generally shown as element 100; this surgical patient positioner 100 is described as one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The surgical patient positioner 100 may be usefully employed in a variety of applications and fields of technology. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the positioner 100 may be used to hold a surgical patient in the lateral decubitus position for total hip arthroplasty. Other applications of the positioner 100 include, but are not limited to, surgery to repair a hip fracture, and the positioner 100 is advantageously suitable for radiography applications where radio-translucence is needed so that imaging is not obstructed. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the surgical patient positioner 100 from different perspectives. The surgical patient positioner 100 may comprise a base plate 210 which may be coupled to either or both side rails 102 of a support table 101, such as an operating room (OR) table 101. In a preferred embodiment, one or more clamps 200 may couple to each side rail 102, the clamp 200 configured to receive a bracket 220. Clamp 100 can be a rail clamp designed to accept OR table accessories that have a flat or round insertion end such as, for example, manufactured and offered for sale by Innovative Medical Products, Inc. part no. CAT #409. Advantageously, an extension bar 222 may couple the bracket to the base plate 210, or conversely, the extension bar 222 may couple directly to the base plate 210. The patient may be positioned on the base plate 210, preferably as shown in FIG.12, with the patient disposed, for example, in the lateral decubitus position. On either side of the patient may be disposed support assemblies, such as an anterior support assembly 300 on the anterior side, and a posterior support assembly 400 on the posterior side.

[0059] The following description may be considered as describing the method of assembling the positioner 100 in advance of a surgery, and the reverse may describe the disassembling process or method thereof, post-surgery.Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 12, and 14A-15B, the surgical patient positioner 100 is adapted to couple to the side rails 102 of an OR table 101. One or more clamps 200 may be disposed on either or both side rails 102. A corresponding bracket 220 may be coupled to a respective clamp 200. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the bracket 220 may include a bracket head 221a, a bracket body 221b, and an incongruity 221c. The incongruity 221c may be including for ease of manufacturing purposes, where the bracket body 221b is sized to accommodate one or more industry rail clamps, and then tapered thinner to more easily bend the bracket head 221a proximate the incongruity in the manner illustrated. The thinner profile of the bracket head 221a has an additional benefit of allowing the anterior support assembly 300 to slide over it, when in an assembled configuration. The bracket head 221a may be coupled to the base plate directly via a bracket opening 218, in the manner shown on the posterior side, the bracket head 221a may couple to an extension bar 222 via a bracket receiver 226 thereof. The bracket 220 may take any shape suited for the intended purpose and is non-limiting in this regard; for example, the bracket head 221a may be T-shaped, and / or at least a part of the cross-section of the bracket 220 may be circular, oval, square, or otherwise, such as clamped to the OR table 101 rail by a clamp 100.

[0061] The extension bar 222 is suitable for advantageously offsetting the location of the clamp 200 and associated components to free up the area proximate the base plate 210 that would otherwise be obstructed thereby e.g. allowing the surgeon more space to operate. Referring to FIGS. 14A-15B in particular, the extension bar 222 may include a body 224, a bracket receiver 226 proximate one end of the body 224, and a bracket rail 228 proximate the other end of the body 224. In one embodiment of the base plate 210 and extension bar 222 represented in FIGS. 1-5C and FIGS. 15A-15E respectively of U.S. Pat. App. No. 19 / 075,740, the extension bar 222 may couple to the base plate 210 in the manner illustrated in e.g. FIGS. 1-2 and 12 U.S. Pat. App. No. 19 / 075,740, where the bracket rail 228 is configured to couple to one of the track slots 215 on the anterior side of base plate 210. In a preferredInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00embodiment, a second clamp 200, bracket receiver 226 and extension bar 222 may be coupled on the anterior side (not shown) of the OR table 101, further along the side rail 102 and on the opposite side of the base plate 210’s anterior side, for additional stability of the positioner 100. In the embodiments of the base plate 210 and of the extension bar 222 represented in FIGS. 4A-4G and FIGS. 14A-14D respectively of the present disclosure, the components may be coupled in a different manner. In the embodiments thereof, the extension bar 222 couples to the underside of the base plate 210, where the rail 228 of the extension bar 222 couples to the extension bar slot 250 of the base plate 210, as shown in FIG. 4D.

[0062] On the posterior side of base plate 210 and in a preferred embodiment, the bracket 220 may couple to a bracket opening 218 wherein the bracket head 221a is configured to reside within a bracket opening recess 219. As perhaps most easily understood from FIGS. 1 and 4 of the present disclosure, the bracket head 221a may be flush with or below the upper surface of the base plate 210 so that the posterior support 400 may pass over. In alternative embodiments, any of the previously-described methods of attachment may be used at any of the corresponding attachment locations of the base plate 210.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4G, the base plate 210 may comprise one or more contours 212 including one or more predetermined shapes 213, a plurality oftracks 214 separated by track slots 215, a plurality of anterior ratchet recesses 216a, and a plurality of posterior ratchet recesses 216b. The base plate 210 may further comprise one or more base plate recesses 217b, such as on the underside of base plate 210 as shown in FIG. 4D for reducing weight thereof. Each track slot 215 may be characterized by a track slot end 217a; the track slots 215 substantially as shown in the various embodiments, which may be useful, inter alia, in setting maximum travel lengths of the anterior and posterior support assemblies 300, 400. Alternatively, the track slots 215 may be continuous from anterior to posterior, or made longer or shorter than the configurations shown herein. The track slots 215 may be cut short by the contourInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00212, such as is shown in FIG. 4C; as will be elaborated upon further below the anterior and posterior support assemblies 300, 400 may still provide the structural integrity needed to adequately support the patient, when only one track slot 215. The support plate 210 is of sufficient length to extend laterally across the OR table 101, with anterior and posterior ends positioned above the OR table rails 102 to facilitate coupling thereto. Although the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4G illustrate bracket openings 218 only on the posterior side, the base plate 210 may have that connection type on the anterior side additionally, or alternatively. Furthermore, a single bracket opening 218 may be disposed on a single side of the base plate, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4G, or the base plate 210 may comprise a plurality of openings 218 arrayed along the caudal / cranial axis.

[0064] The base plate 210 may have one or more contours 212 where it intersects with the overlying patient, the contours being characterized by one or more predetermined shapes 213. The contour 212 may be generally purposed to reduce the width of the base plate 210 to fit comfortably between the rib cage and pelvis of the patient, thereby avoiding pressure on skeletal tissue.

[0065] Upon secure coupling of the base plate 210 to the OR table 101, according to the surgeon’s preferences, padding (not shown) made optionally be placed between the patient and the base plate 210. Subsequently the posterior support assembly 400 may be placed on the base plate 210. The base plate 210 (and other components described herein) advantageously provides for multiple positioning options; for example, if the surgeon has a large patient that is difficult to reposition (once on the table), then the surgeon has can modify the location and / or position of a subcomponent— e.g., anterior 300 and posterior 400 support assemblies relative to the base plate 210— rather than having to move and reposition the patient.

[0066] The posterior support assembly 400 is shown in FIGS. 1-3, 9A-9C, and 10, with an exploded view given in FIG. 11. Posterior support subassembly 400 may comprise a posterior tower 410 operably coupled a lumbar support 420, which in turn may operably couple to a posterior pad 405, where the latterInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 12. The posterior tower 410 may comprise one or more bottom rails 412a configured to align, couple to, and slide along, a corresponding one or more slots 215 of the base plate 210. Posterior tower 410 may further comprise a latch 414 including a biasing element 415, where latch 414 couples to the posterior ratchet recesses 216b of the base plate 210. The posterior latch assembly 480b, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, refers generally to these components, including the latch 414 and biasing element 415. The posterior tower 420 may further comprise a handle 416 that may be centrally formed and angled diagonally, the posterior tower 420 adapted for advancing the posterior support assembly 400 along the base plate 210 toward the patient. The posterior tower 410 may further comprise top rails 412b adapted for coupling to the lumbar support 420, which may comprise lumbar support slots 422 configured to slide onto the top rails 412b. Tower pins 418 in combination with lumbar support pin openings 424 may be used to couple and adjust the vertical position of the lower back support 420.

[0067] The posterior support subassembly 400 may be coupled to the support plate 210 by sliding onto one or more tracks 215 and fixedly coupling thereto by virtue of the latch 414 rigidly coupling to a corresponding posterior ratchet recess 216b, in the manner demonstrated in FIGS. 9A-9C. At this point in the assembly method, the patient may be positioned on the OR table 101 and aligned with the baseplate plate 210 and posterior support 400, and corresponding pads (not shown) and posterior pad 405.

[0068] The anterior support assembly 300 is shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5-6, 7A-7B and 8A-8B. The anterior support assembly 300 may comprise an anterior tower base 310 (detailed in FIGS. 13A-13C) operably coupled to an anterior tower 320. The anterior support assembly 300 may further comprise upper 360 and lower 340 pad supports, both operably coupled to the anterior tower 320. An arm 370 may be operably coupled to the upper pad support 360. The anterior support assembly 300 may further comprise upper 350 and lower 330 pads fixedly coupled to the arm 370 and lower pad support 340, respectively, via a snap fit, or other type of coupling used in the art.Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, a multi-slot anterior tower base 310 is provided. The anterior tower base 310 may comprise one or more rails 312, as shown in FIG. 13C, adapted to couple to the one or more slots 215a in the base plate 210, and a plurality of slots 316a— 316c adapted to receive a rail disposed on the bottom of the anterior tower 320. The slots 316a— 316c, shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, may be disposed in the top of the base plate 210 at a plurality of angles. A central slot 316a may be disposed parallel to the one or more rails 312 of the base 310; this direction may be referred to as a lateral direction, which effectively runs perpendicular to the rails of the operating room table, when the surgical patient positioner is assembled. One or more additional slots, such as slots 316b, 316c may be disposed at a common angle a, + / -, with respect to the central slot 316a as represented in FIG 5B. In an alternative embodiment, the additional slots 316b, 316c may be disposed at dissimilar angles a., i.e. unequal. In the various embodiments contemplated herein and considered within the scope of the present invention, angle a may vary between 1 degree and 89 degrees. In this way, the anterior tower 320 may be inserted into any of the plurality of slots 316a— 316c, thereby changing the angle at which the anterior tower is disposed relative to the pelvis of the patient. In various embodiments contemplated herein and considered within the scope of the present invention, the anterior tower base 310 may comprise any number of slot 316 such as, for example, 2-7 differently-angled slots. Alternatively, the anterior tower 320 and anterior base 310 may be formed as a singular piece, and therefore at a singular angle with respect to the orientation of the patient to the OR table 101. Any of the various combinations mentioned herein are considered as falling within the scope of the present invention, as may be selected and desired.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5-6, 8A and 8B, the anterior tower 320 may comprise a lock pin assembly 302 generally purposed to prevent slippage and achieve safe and secured locking between the tower 320 and base 310, while simultaneously providing for quick and effective assembly and / or disassembly of the positioner 100. The lock pin assembly 302 may comprise a lock pin 304, a lock pin knob 306, andInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00a lock pin biasing element 308. Alternatively, the lock pin 304 and lock pin knob 306 may be formed of a singular construction.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, to facilitate acceptance of the lock pin assembly 302, the anterior base 310 may comprise a lock pin ramp portion 317a, a lock pin traversing portion 317b, and one or more openings 318. The lock pin ramp portion 317a may be formed as a linear ramp portion, substantially as shown in FIGS. 8A or 8B, or alternatively, may be formed as any non-linear shape, such as curved upwardly or downwardly, and other shapes adapter to allow the lock pin assembly 302 to freely traverse upon insertion ofthe tower rail 322 into one of the tower base slots 316a-316c 322. Furthermore, the lock pin ramp portion 317a may extend from the outer-most surface, as shown on the right-hand side ofthe page of FIGS. 8A or 8B, and extend to about one-third the distance from that edge to the opening 318, as measured from that edge leftward toward the opening 318. Alternatively, the lock pin ramp portion 317a may extend further toward the opening 318 (at a lesser slope with respect to the horizontal). For example, the lock pin ramp portion 317a may extend all the way to the opening 318 of FIGS. 8A or 8B, or may be angled at a greater slope than that which is shown. One of the defining criteria of the configuration ofthe lock pin ramp portion 317a is to be low enough on the right-hand side of FIGS. 8A or 8B that it accepts the head of the lock pin 304 and allows the lock pin 304 to advance along the length of the body of the anterior base 310 to smoothly advance the anterior tower 320 to achieve a locked position, whereby the lock pin 304 become fixedly coupled to the opening 318.

[0072] When assembling the positioner 100, the tower rail 322 ofthe anterior base 310 may be inserted into one of the tower base slots 316a-316c, thereby engaging with the ramp 317 bottom of the lock pin 304 and forcing the lock pin 304 upward as the anterior tower 320 slides inwardly to mate or couple to the anterior base 310. Upon full insertion of the tower rail 322 into one of the tower base slots 316a-316c, the lock pin 304 thereby aligns with the opening 318, and the biasing element 308 moves the lock pin 304 into a fixed coupling position, thereby fixedly coupling the anterior tower 320 to the anterior baseInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00310. In the locked position, exhibited in FIG. 8A, the biasing element 308 pushes the pin 304 into the opening 318 preventing further translation of the anterior tower 320 relative to the anterior base 310. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, to release the tower 320 from the base 310, the knob 306 is used to lift the lock pin 304 out of the opening 318 in the base slot 316 by compressing the biasing element 308. In the release position, the anterior tower 320 may be translated relative to the anterior base 310 and disassembled.

[0073] As mentioned, the anterior support assembly 300 may comprise an anterior tower base 310 operably coupled an anterior tower 320. The anterior support assembly 300 may further comprise upper and lower pad holder supports 360, 340, both operably coupled to the anterior tower 320. The anterior support assembly 300 may further comprise arm 370 operably coupled to upper pad holder support 360. The anterior support assembly 300 may further comprise upper and lower pad holders 350, 330, each respectively fixedly coupled to the arm 370 and a lower pad holder 330 via a snap fit. An upper anterior pad 390a and a lower anterior pad 390b, may each fixedly or rigidly couple to the upper and lower pad holders 350, 330, respectively, via adhesive or the like.

[0074] Pads 390a, 390b and / or pad holders 350, 330 may advantageously be dome-shaped, which allow for superior contact with the patient’s iliac crest. The iliac crest of a patient is generally curved. The dome shape catches more of the surface— curved surface to curved surface— allows the pad 390a, 390b to find the specific / optimal contact point. The pads 390a, 390b may be disposable, and each of the upper and lower pad holders 330, 350 may have one or two angular degrees of freedom about the attachment area that may provide for further secure coupling to the iliac crests, or other body part, of a patient.

[0075] As further illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 8A-8B and 12, the anterior tower base 310 may further comprise a latch 314, pivotably coupled to the anterior base 310 and configured to couple to the ratchet recesses 216a of the base plate 210. In an assembled configuration, such as, as the patient is being prepared for surgery as the anterior tower assembly 300 advances toward the patient the latching position advances concurrently until an appropriate demobilization of the patient is achieved with respectInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00to the OR table 101, once the anterior support assembly 300 is appropriately coupled to the base plate 210. The anterior tower 320 may further comprise a handle 326 for advancing the anterior tower assembly 300 along the support base 210 toward the patient. As the anterior tower assembly 300 advances toward the patient the latching 314 position advances concurrently in combination with the anterior rachet recesses 216a.

[0076] The anterior tower 320 may further comprise a side rail 324 configured to receive the lower domed pad holder support 340, which may comprise a vertical slider 342 with a vertical slider slot 348 disposed therein. An anterior tower pin rack 328 may be disposed on the anterior tower 320 and serve to aid in positioning of the lower vertical slider 342 in cooperation with a lower vertical slider push pin 344. The lower domed pad holder support 340 may further comprise a lower domed pad holder adapter 346 configured to couple to the lower domed pad holder 348, to create a snap fit or “clip-on” fit.

[0077] The anterior tower side rail 324 may also be configured to slidably couple to an upper pad support subassembly 360, which also may be coupled to the anterior tower 320 by the interaction of a vertical push pin 364 disposed on a vertical slider 362 and the anterior tower pin rack 328. The upper vertical slider 362 may be configured to slidably couple to the arm 370 with bottom 372 and top 374 rails. The arm 370 may be fixedly coupled to the upper vertical slider 362 by the interaction of a horizontal push pin 365 and arm pin racks 376, which may be disposed on bottom (not shown) and top (shown) surfaces. The arm 370 may further comprise one or more upper pad adapters 378 disposed on either or both ends and configured to receive the upper pad 350. Advantageously, the one or more upper pad adapters 378 provide for three distinct orientations of the upper pad 350 for coupling to the patient: (i) in an upward position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, (ii) in a downward position, as illustrated in FIG. 12, and (iii) in a middle position, wherein the arm is reversed along its length (not shown).

[0078] The anterior support assembly 300 may be coupled to the base plate 210 by sliding one or more bottom rails 312 onto one or more tracks 215a and fixedly coupling thereto by virtue of the latch 314 andInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00ratchet recesses 216a. The base plate 210 (and other components described herein) advantageously provides for multiple positioning options; for example, if the surgeon has a large patient that is difficult to reposition (once on the table), then the surgeon can modify the location and / or position of a subcomponent, e.g. anterior 300 and posterior 400 support assemblies, relative to the base plate 210 rather than having to reposition the patient.

[0079] The angled slots 316a-316c of the anterior base 310 are suitable for providing the surgeon with flexibility relating to appropriate rigid coupling of the patient with respect to the OR table 101. For example, the surgeon may desire to flex the hip joint, to check movement thereof, by positioning the leg upwardly and moving the patient’s knee toward the chest then, with reference to the assembly of parts shown in FIG. 12, the use of the angled slot 316c to receive the anterior tower 320 may allow for this movement, by keeping the anterior support assembly 300 out of the way of the flexed leg. In another example, the surgeon may decide that a better hold is achieved on a particular patient when the anterior tower 320 is coupled to the angled slot 316b as shown in the assembled configuration of FIG. 12. In this orientation of the anterior tower 320, the upper and lower pads 350, 330 may be disposed at an advantageous angle relative to posterior support assembly 400; namely, relative to the contours of the lumbar support 420 and / or lumbar pad 430, to provide for improved holding.

[0080] By way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates the anterior support assembly 300 disposed on a center track 215a of the base plate 210 with the anterior tower assembly 320 occupying the center slot 316a thereby presenting the pads 330, 350 in a perpendicular orientation to the patient. Alternatively, FIG. 2 illustrates the anterior support assembly 300 disposed on a caudal-side track 215a of the base plate 210 with the anterior tower assembly 320 occupying a caudal-side slot 316b of the anterior base 310 thereby presenting the pads 330, 350 at an angle, a, to the patient. An environmental view of this orientation is illustrated in FIG. 12. The angular adjustments of the anterior tower 320 by virtue of the multi slot anteriorInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00tower base 310 may therefore provide the surgeon with improved holding characteristics of the patient with respect to the OR table 101 suitable for surgical procedures.

[0081] As described above, a plurality of anterior ratchet recesses 216a, and posterior ratchet recesses 216b may be configured to receive a latch 314, 414 that may be disposed at the anterior and / or posterior ends, respectively. With reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, each ratchet recess may be characterized at least in part by an angled side, where the angle occurs on the side closest to the center of the base plate 210, i.e., toward the center where the patient is positioned. In this way, the anterior ratchet recesses 216a, and posterior ratchet recesses 216b comprise angled sides / edges that face in opposite directions of the other side; this effectively allows each of the anterior and posterior support assemblies 300, 400, to more easily move inwardly, while being configured inhibit movement outwardly.

[0082] The plurality of tracks 214 may be of common width so that each of the anterior and posterior support assemblies 300, 400 can be precisely disposed on the base plate 210 in the caudal-cranial direction, so as to advantageously be adjusted by the surgeon according to the size and shape of a particular patient. The plurality of slots 215 may be configured to accept suitably-shaped rails 312, 412a on anterior 300 and posterior 400 support assemblies, respectively. Although the various base plate 210 embodiments are shown and described herein with open anterior / posterior ends, alternative arrangements are contemplated such as closed-end features having diameters larger than the width of either rail types 312, 412a, so as to remove or attach the anterior 300 and posterior 400 support assemblies in an upward or downward direction.

[0083] When assembling the surgical patient positioner 100, according to the apparatus, system, and / or method of the present invention, the anterior support assembly 300 may slidably couple to the base plate 210 starting proximate the anterior side, and slidably moving to the posterior side. Similarly, the posterior support assembly 400 may slidably couple to the base plate 210, starting proximate the posterior and slidably moving to the anterior side, thereby securing the patient between the two assemblies. The baseInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00plate 210 may comprise one or two contoured sides 212 configured below the patient, the contour shape having a predetermined profile or shape 213, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. The predetermined shape 213 may be ergonomic in design, and generally suited to relieve or reduce the pressure exerted on the patient by the base plate 210 and to minimize the hard surface with the patient’s non-operative side. Alternatively, the predetermined shape 213 may take a different shape from that shown in FIGS. 40 or 4D, suitable for the stated purpose of reducing damage to the body tissue of the patient and decreasing post-surgical discomfort.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 7A & 7B, a first category of fastener assembly 380a is disclosed, which is shown in the context of the location provided in FIG. 5 according to the cross section at horizontal push pin 365. First fastener assembly provides superior holding characteristics, and may be deployed in other operable locations of surgical patient positioner 100, namely at vertical push pin 364, and / or push pin 344. Horizontal push pin 365 may comprise biasing element 366 coupled to the push pin key 367, which may operably couple and / or interact with arm pin rack 376 of arm 370. Biasing element 366 may be biased open or outward at resting state, so that the operator’s action advances the push pin 365 inwardly, and upon sufficient movement thereof, the push pin key 367 clears the arm pin rack 376 to allow horizontal displacement and / or advancement of the arm 370. This arrangement of parts, according to the present invention, reduces or eliminate the likelihood of unintended movement, once the patient is put in the desired position, which represents a benefit over the prior art which is achieved at least in part by the pressing a physical actuator, or other positive action, that results in disengagement of an associated pawl or ratcheting mechanism.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9C, a second category of fastener assembly 380b, 480b is disclosed, which is shown in the context of the location(s) provided in FIGS. 5 and 10 according to, for example, the cross section at latch 314 of tower base 310 as represented in FIGS. 8a and 8B. Second fastener assembly provides superior holding characteristics, and may be deployed in other operableInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00locations of surgical patient positioner 100, namely latch 414 on the posterior side. The tower base 310 may comprise biasing element 315 coupled to the latch 314, wherein the biasing element biases the latch 314 downward or in an engaged position with anterior ratchet recess 216b. With this second category of fastener assembly 380b, 480b, the operator may exert a sideways force, from left to right (anterior to posterior) as shown in the progression of FIGS. 9A-9C to advance the posterior tower 410 and engage with, or further tighten against, the patient. The angled right-hand edge of each posterior ratchet recess 216b allows the posterior tower 410 to advance accordingly (See FIG. 9B in particular; analogous to anterior ratchet recess 216a and tower 310 on the anterior side). To release, the operator depresses the latch 314, 414, so that it releases from the series of posterior ratchet recesses 216b, and slidably advances from right to left (posterior to anterior direction). This arrangement of parts, according to the present invention, reduces or eliminate the likelihood of unintended movement, once the patient is put in the desired position, which represents a benefit over the prior art which is achieved at least in part by the pressing a physical actuator, or other positive action, that results in disengagement of an associated pawl or ratcheting mechanism.

[0086] While certain configurations of structures have been illustrated for the purposes of presenting the basic structures of the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other variations are possible which would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An anterior support assembly (300), configured to couple to a base plate (210) coupled to a support table (101) for surgery of a patient disposed in the lateral decubitus position, the anterior support assembly (300) comprising:an anterior base (310) configured to couple to, and slidably adjust with respect to, the base plate (210), the anterior base (310) comprising a plurality of slots (316) including:a straight slot (316a) being disposed along a first direction aligned with the anterior / posterior direction of the patient, andat least one angled slot (316b, 316c) being disposed in a second direction that is nonparallel to the first direction defining an angle a,each slot of the plurality of slots (316) having a lock pin ramp portion (317a), a lock pin traversing portion (317b), and a lock pin opening (318);an anterior tower (320) comprising a tower bottom rail (322) configured to couple to a slot (316) of the plurality of slots (316), and a lock pin assembly (302) including:a lock pin (304) configured to move outwardly or inwardly relative to the anterior tower (320), anda biasing element (366) configured to bias the lock pin (304) outwardly when the lock pin is unobstructed to define a first lock pin position; anda lower pad (330) and an upper pad (350) configured to couple to the anterior tower (320), the lower pad (330) and upper pad (350) further configured to couple to the patient,wherein, when being assembled, the rail of the anterior tower (322) couples to a slot (316) of the plurality of slots (316), such that the lock pin (304) moves along the lock pin ramp portion (317a), and the lock pin ramp portion (317a) automatically moves the lock pin (304) inwardly relative to the anterior tower (320) to a second lock pin position while the lock pin (304) advances along the lock pin traversing portion (317b) until the lock pin (304) reaches the lock pin opening (318) whereupon it enters therein thereby moving back to the first lock pin position to fixedly couple the anterior tower (320) to the anterior base (310).

2. The anterior support assembly (300) of claim 1 , wherein the base plate (210) further comprises:an upper surface including:a plurality of anterior tracks (214a) configured to slidably couple to the anterior support assembly (300); andInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00a lower surface including one or more extension bracket slots (215c) configured to receive an extension bracket (230), and wherein:one or more drop bar openings (218) extend through the base plate (210) from the upper surface to the lower surface, each of the one or more drop bar openings (218) being configured to receive a drop bar (220); and wherein:the upper surface of the base plate further comprises one or more ratchet recesses (216),the anterior base (310) further comprises an anterior latch (314) adapted to selectively inhibit movement of the anterior base (310) along the base plate (210).

3. The anterior support assembly (300) according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a lock pin knob (306) to allow the surgeon to manually move the lock pin (304) from the first lock pin position to the second lock pin position.

4. The anterior support assembly according to claims 1-3, wherein the anterior tower (320) further comprises an arm (370) comprising an S-bend, the arm (370) configured to couple the upper pad (350) to the anterior tower (320), and provides for three distinct positions relative to the anterior tower (320) by virtue of changing the arm (370) position relative to the anterior tower (320).

5. An anterior support assembly (300), configured to couple to a support table (101) for surgery of a patient disposed in the lateral decubitus position, the anterior support assembly (300) comprising: an anterior base (310) configured to couple to, and slidably adjust with respect to, the support table (101), the anterior base (310) comprising two or more anterior base slots (316) including:a straight slot (316a) being disposed along a first direction aligned with the anterior / posterior direction of the patient, andat least one angled slot (316b, 316c) being disposed in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction defining an angle a,each slot of the plurality of slots (316) having a lock pin ramp portion (317a), a lock pin traversing portion (317b), and a lock pin opening (318);an anterior tower (320) comprising a tower bottom rail (322) configured to couple to a slot (316) of the plurality of slots, and a lock pin assembly (302) including:a lock pin (304) configured to move outwardly or inwardly relative to the anterior tower (320), anda biasing element (366) configured to bias the lock pin (304) outwardly when the lock pin is unobstructed to define a first lock pin position; andInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00a lower pad (330) and an uppoer pad (350) configured to couple to the anterior tower (320), the lower pad (330) and uppoer pad (350) further configured to couple to the patient,wherein, when being assembled, the rail of the anterior tower (322) couples to a slot (316) of the plurality of slots (316), such that the lock pin (304) moves along the lock pin ramp portion (317a), and the lock pin ramp portion (317a) automatically moves the lock pin (304) inwardly relative to the anterior tower (320) to a second lock pin position while the lock pin (304) advances along the lock pin traversing portion (317b) until the lock pin (304) reaches the lock pin opening (318) whereupon it enters therein thereby moving back to the first lock pin position to fixedly couple the anterior tower (320) to the anterior base (310).

6. The anterior support assembly (300) according to claim 5 further comprising a lock pin knob (306) to allow the surgeon to manually move the lock pin (304) from the first lock pin position to the second lock pin position.

7. The anterior support assembly (300) according to claim 1 or claim 5, wherein the anterior tower (320) further comprises a handle (326) configured to allow the surgeon to manually move the anterior tower (320) relative to the anterior base (310), when assembling or disassembling the anterior tower (320) and the anterior base (310).

8. A surgical patient positioner (100) comprising:a base plate (210) configured to couple to a surgical support table (101), the base plate (210) comprising:an upper surface including:a plurality of anterior tracks configured to slidably couple to an anterior support assembly, and a plurality of posterior tracks configured to slidably couple to a posterior support assembly; anda lower surface including one or more base plate slots configured to receive an extension bar;one or more base plate openings extending through the base plate from the upper surface to the lower surface, each of the one or more base plate openings being configured to receive a drop bar; andan upper surface including:a plurality of anterior tracks (214a) configured to slidably couple to the anterior support assembly (300); anda plurality of posterior tracks (214b) configured to slidably couple to a posterior support assembly (400);Int’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00a lower surface including one or more extension bracket slots (215c) configured to receive an extension bracket (230);one or more drop bar openings (218) extend through the base plate (210) from the upper surface to the lower surface, each of the one or more drop bar openings (218) being configured to receive a drop bar (220); andat least one contoured portion (212) adapted to fit the base plate (210) in between the pelvis and rib cage when a patient is disposed thereon;each drop bar (220) comprising a drop bar head (221a) disposed at an end of a drop bar body (221b), such that in an assembled configuration the drop bar body (221b) passes through the drop bar opening (218) and the drop bar head (221 a) inhibits further movement of the drop bar (220) therethrough;one or more rail clamps (200) adapted to couple the drop bar body (221b) to a side rail (102) of the surgical support table (101);an anterior support assembly (300) comprising:an anterior base (310) configured to couple to, and slidably adjust with respect to, the support table (101 ), the anterior base (310) comprising two or more anterior base slots (316) including:a straight slot (316a) being disposed along a first direction aligned with the anterior / posterior direction of the patient, andat least one angled slot (316b, 316c) being disposed in a second direction that is nonparallel to the first direction defining an angle a,each slot of the plurality of slots (316) having a lock pin ramp portion (317a), a lock pin traversing portion (317b), and a lock pin opening (318);an anterior tower (320) comprising a tower bottom rail (322) configured to couple to a slot (316) of the plurality of slots, and a lock pin assembly (302) including:a lock pin (304) configured to move outwardly or inwardly relative to the anterior tower (320), anda biasing element (366) configured to bias the lock pin (304) outwardly when the lock pin is unobstructed to define a first lock pin position; anda lower pad (330) and an uppoer pad (350) configured to couple to the anterior tower (320), the lower pad (330) and uppoer pad (350) further configured to couple to the patient, wherein, when being assembled, the rail of the anterior tower (322) couples to a slot (316) of the plurality of slots (316), such that the lock pin (304) moves along the lock pin ramp portion (317a), and the lock pin ramp portion (317a) automatically moves the lock pin (304) inwardlyInt’l Application No: To be assigned Attorney Docket No: P1434PC00relative to the anterior tower (320) to a second lock pin position while the lock pin (304) advances along the lock pin traversing portion (317b) until the lock pin (304) reaches the lock pin opening (318) whereupon it enters therein thereby moving back to the first lock pin position to fixedly couple the anterior tower (320) to the anterior base (310).a posterior support assembly (400) comprising:a posterior base (402) configured to couple to, and slidably adjust with respect to, the base plate (210), the posterior base (402) comprising at least one posterior base rail (404) that is configured to couple to a posterior track (214b), the posterior base (402) further comprising at least one posterior base slot (406);one or more posterior towers (410) including a posterior tower rail (412) configured to slidably couple to one of the posterior base slots (406); anda lumbar support (420) configured to couple to the one or more posterior towers (410), the lumbar support (420) being suitably configured to couple to the lumbar region of the patient.

9. The surgical patient positioner (100) of claim 8, wherein:the upper surface of the base plate (210) further comprises one or more ratchet recesses (216); the anterior base (310) further comprises an anterior latch (314) adapted to selectively inhibit movement of the anterior base (310) along the base plate (210); andthe posterior base (402) further comprises a posterior latch (408) adapted to selectively inhibit movement of the posterior base (402) along the base plate (210).

10. The surgical patient positioner (100) of claim 8, further comprising one or more extension brackets (230), configured to couple the base plate (210) to the drop bar (220).

11. The surgical patient positioner (100) of claim 8, wherein the anterior tower (320) further comprises an arm (370) comprising an S-bend, the arm (370) configured to couple one of the adjustable pads the upper pad (350) to the anterior tower (320), and provides for three distinct positions of that adjustable pad relative to the anterior tower (320) by virtue of changing the arm (370) position relative to the anterior tower (320).

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