The Development of an Orthopaedic Prone Positioning Tool in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created hurdles for the practice of orthopedic surgery, it has also provided an opportunity for reflection, innovation, and creative thinking. Orthopedic surgeons utilize clinical knowledge and technical skillsets along with a strong understanding of medical devices to provide effective care for patients. However, these skillsets can also lateralize to other sectors of medicine outside of the surgical theater. From the authors’ experiences at a tertiary orthopedic center, they review the process of repurposing a patient positioning tool in the operating room toward the treatment of intubated COVID-19 patients and discuss the lessons learned.