Trendelenburg position

In the Trendelenburg position the body is laid flat on the back (supine position) with the feet higher than the head, in contrast to the reverse Trendelenburg position, where the body is tilted in the opposite direction. This is a standard position used in abdominal and gynecological surgery. It allows better access to the pelvic organs as gravity pulls the intestines towards the head. It was named after the German surgeon Friedrich Trendelenburg.

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Traditionally, the Trendelenberg position is the standard first aid position for shock (medical) and was used for an injured scuba diver. Many experienced divers still believe this position is appropriate, but current scuba first aid professionals no longer advocate elevating the feet higher than the head. The Trendelenberg position in this case increases regurgitation and airway problems, causes the brain to swell, increases breathing difficulty, and has not been proven to be of any value. "Supine is fine" is a good, general rule for victims of submersion injuries unless they have fluid in the airway or are breathing, in which case they should be positioned on the side.

The Trendelenburg position may be used in childbirth when a woman's cervix is too swollen and won't quite dialate to 10 centimeters, or during the incidence of a prolapsed umbilical cord to take pressure off the cord and get more oxygen to the fetus, or it can be used to help rotate a posterior fetus either during pregnancy or the birth itself. The Trendelenberg position is also used when placing a Central Venous Line.

See also

• Trendelenburg gait
• Trendelenburg's sign
• Fowler's position