Horseshoe Headrest
Mayfield Horseshoe Headrest · Gel Horseshoe Headrest · Horseshoe Head Positioner · Swivel Horseshoe Headrest · Headrest
A U-shaped padded (often gel-filled) head support mounted on an adjustable swivel arm. It attaches to a base unit or adaptor fixed to the head of the OR table. Adult and pediatric sizes exist.
On the table
What it does and the lengths it comes in.
What it’s for
Supports the head without pins in neurosurgery and spine surgery. In prone position the face rests in the horseshoe opening, for posterior cervicalSER-vih-kulRelating to the neck, or to the cervix, the lower end of the uterus.cervic/o neck, cervix-al relating toFull entry spine surgery and some posterior craniotomykray-nee-OT-uh-meeSurgery in which a piece of the skull is removed to reach the brain, and usually put back at the end.crani/o skull-tomy cutting intoFull entry . In supine position it can hold an infant's head, for example during endoscopicen-doh-SKOP-ikDone with an endoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera passed into the body.endo- within-scopic viewingFull entry third ventriculostomy. It is the pin-free alternative to a skull clamp when the head does not need to be held completely still.
Lengths and variants
Adult and pediatric horseshoes; radiolucent versions; models with built-in gel pads (for example the Mayfield Infinity support system for children).
Through the case
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- During the case
Caution
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5 sources
- Rothrock JC. Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery. 17th ed. Chapter 21 (Neurosurgery), Fig. 21.33, p. 780
- Goldman MA. Pocket Guide to the Operating Room. 3rd ed. Chapter 24 (Neurologic Surgery), p. 647 and p. 650
- Fuller JK. Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Chapter 34 (Neurosurgery), Fig. 34.9, p. 983
- AST. Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist. 4th ed. Chapter 24 (Neurosurgery), Routine Equipment, p. 1140
- dotmed.com
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