Prone
Prone position is a body position in which an individual lies flat with the chest down and the back up. In the anatomy and physiology context, the prone position is used to describe the position of the body lying face down, as opposed to the supine position which describes the body lying face up.
The prone position is commonly used in surgical procedures, medical examinations, and in patients with respiratory distress to improve oxygenation. It is also a common position for sleeping, and has been studied in relation to sleep apnea and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Medical Use[edit | edit source]
The prone position is used in various medical contexts, including:
- Surgery: The prone position is often used in spinal surgery, neurosurgery, and certain types of orthopedic surgery. It allows for better access to certain areas of the body and can help reduce blood loss during surgery.
- Respiratory Therapy: In patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the prone position can improve oxygenation and reduce mortality. It is thought to work by improving lung ventilation and reducing damage caused by mechanical ventilation.
- Radiology: The prone position is often used in radiology for certain types of imaging, including mammography and computed tomography (CT) scans.
Sleep and Prone Position[edit | edit source]
The prone position is a common sleeping position. However, it has been associated with certain health risks, including:
- Sleep Apnea: Sleeping in the prone position can exacerbate sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The prone sleeping position is a known risk factor for SIDS, a condition where an infant dies suddenly and unexpectedly. As a result, healthcare professionals recommend that infants sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
