An operating table, sometimes called operating room table, is the table on which the patient
lies during a surgical operation.[1] This surgical equipment is usually found inside
the surgery room of a hospital.[2] A specialized type of operating table is call a surgical fracture
table (or trauma table) is designed to allow an orthopedic surgeon to perform common orthopedic
procedures such as hip fractures, pelvic fractures, tibial fractures, fibula fractures, and anterior
approach total hip arthroplasty.[3] Modern surgical fracture tables cost >US$200,000, but the
costs can be reduced to make them more accessible using distributed digital fabrication with 3D
printing of open-source hardware designs.[4]
Definition[edit]
Two main classifications: system and mobile[edit]
An operating table system is basically made up of three components: an operating table column,
the table top and the transporter. Modern operating table systems are available as both
stationary and mobile units. There are a wide range of table tops that can be used for both
general surgery and for specialist disciplines. Mobile operating tables, however, tend to be
equipped with a specific discipline in mind. The base, column and table top form a unit.
Operating table system with a stationary unit
Since the table column for a stationary operating table system is firmly anchored to the floor, the
additional necessary medical devices can easily be brought to the operating area and positioned.
These devices include, for example, x-ray equipment, which can easily be slid under the table
top. For personnel, the system offers improved leg space since disruptive foot geometry is no
longer present.
Additional elements can be adapted to the operating table. This flexibility is very important since
it enables the table to be adapted to suit the relevant patient or the surgical discipline.
The advantage of the mobile operating table, on the other hand, is that the position of the table
can be changed within the operating room. However, the foot of the table limits the leg space
available to the surgical team. The individual segments of the table top can be easily removed
and replaced. They also permit x-rays and conduct electricity.
Another special feature of the operating table system is the ability to use appropriate interface
modules to establish communication with diagnostics systems, for example, angiography, MR
and CT. This is only possible with stationary columns since the systems require a fixed point.
Properties and requirements made of an operating
table[edit]
There are a number of basic functions that every operating table must fulfill in order to meet the
requirements made of it. For example, the height of an operating table must be adjustable. This
is the only way a surgeon can adapt it to their height and thus work ergonomically. In addition it
must be possible to tilt the table to the left and to the right to ensure a better overview into body
cavities or to use gravity to move organs (e.g. laparoscopy). In addition, the individual operating
table segments must also be adjustable. This is the only way to ensure the necessary anatomical
bends of the body and enable extremities to be positioned suitable for operating. A further
property of the operating table top is radiolucency. The radiolucent surface should be as large as
possible to ensure the largest possible image without disruption. The padding of the table is also
lies during a surgical operation.[1] This surgical equipment is usually found inside
the surgery room of a hospital.[2] A specialized type of operating table is call a surgical fracture
table (or trauma table) is designed to allow an orthopedic surgeon to perform common orthopedic
procedures such as hip fractures, pelvic fractures, tibial fractures, fibula fractures, and anterior
approach total hip arthroplasty.[3] Modern surgical fracture tables cost >US$200,000, but the
costs can be reduced to make them more accessible using distributed digital fabrication with 3D
printing of open-source hardware designs.[4]
Definition[edit]
Two main classifications: system and mobile[edit]
An operating table system is basically made up of three components: an operating table column,
the table top and the transporter. Modern operating table systems are available as both
stationary and mobile units. There are a wide range of table tops that can be used for both
general surgery and for specialist disciplines. Mobile operating tables, however, tend to be
equipped with a specific discipline in mind. The base, column and table top form a unit.
Operating table system with a stationary unit
Since the table column for a stationary operating table system is firmly anchored to the floor, the
additional necessary medical devices can easily be brought to the operating area and positioned.
These devices include, for example, x-ray equipment, which can easily be slid under the table
top. For personnel, the system offers improved leg space since disruptive foot geometry is no
longer present.
Additional elements can be adapted to the operating table. This flexibility is very important since
it enables the table to be adapted to suit the relevant patient or the surgical discipline.
The advantage of the mobile operating table, on the other hand, is that the position of the table
can be changed within the operating room. However, the foot of the table limits the leg space
available to the surgical team. The individual segments of the table top can be easily removed
and replaced. They also permit x-rays and conduct electricity.
Another special feature of the operating table system is the ability to use appropriate interface
modules to establish communication with diagnostics systems, for example, angiography, MR
and CT. This is only possible with stationary columns since the systems require a fixed point.
Properties and requirements made of an operating
table[edit]
There are a number of basic functions that every operating table must fulfill in order to meet the
requirements made of it. For example, the height of an operating table must be adjustable. This
is the only way a surgeon can adapt it to their height and thus work ergonomically. In addition it
must be possible to tilt the table to the left and to the right to ensure a better overview into body
cavities or to use gravity to move organs (e.g. laparoscopy). In addition, the individual operating
table segments must also be adjustable. This is the only way to ensure the necessary anatomical
bends of the body and enable extremities to be positioned suitable for operating. A further
property of the operating table top is radiolucency. The radiolucent surface should be as large as
possible to ensure the largest possible image without disruption. The padding of the table is also
