The lateral position provides good access for a posterolateral approach. It may be useful if the entire procedure can be done through this incision.
This position is rarely used in the treatment of distal tibia fractures. It is an alternative to the prone position for patients with anesthetic contraindication or severe obesity.
A tourniquet should always be applied to the thigh but not necessarily be inflated, depending on the surgeon’s preference.
The image intensifier should be placed in front of the patient.