The patient is positioned onto a radiolucent table prone on two horizontally placed padded bolsters (one at the level of sternum and another one at the level of anterior iliac spine) or a frame.

The abdomen should hang free to avoid increased intraabdominal pressure to prevent excessive bleeding
Adequate padding needs to be provided to elbows and knees to avoid pressure sores
The head is rested either in a horse shoe ring or a Mayfield rest to avoid pressure on the eyes.

Make sure that there are adequate personnel to receive and turn the patient from supine to prone position on the operating table. Rotational or flexion movements at the level of injury can result in worsening of neurological status.

The arms should be abducted and should be resting comfortably at 90° position of the shoulder and elbow.
The hips can be extended to partially reduce the lumbosacral kyphosis. Care must be taken as this may result in foraminal stenosis resulting in nerve injury.

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