Trendelenburg & Anti-Trendelenburg Positions: Benefits, Risks & How to Use Them Safely

The Trendelenburg position (feet elevated above the head) and its reverse, Anti-Trendelenburg, are key features of modern profiling beds. Originally designed for surgery, these positions now aid respiratory health and mobility at home. 

In this article, we’ll explore the Trendelenburg positions, how they work, and more importantly, how to use them safely for home care needs.

What Is the Trendelenburg Position?

Developed in 1881 by surgeon Friedrich Trendelenburg, this position was initially used to improve surgical access to pelvic organs.  An American physiologist later adapted its use as a treatment for shock - it was thought that raising the legs above the head would help maintain blood flow around the brain. Today, it’s primarily recommended for:

• Respiratory support – By elevating the legs above the head, blood flow to the lungs improves, aiding oxygenation. This can be particularly valuable for patients with certain respiratory challenges like COPD.
• Pressure management – When combined with advanced pressure-relieving mattresses, the position helps redistribute weight, reducing ulcer risks for immobile patients.

However, it's crucial to note that prolonged use or inappropriate application can lead to complications, particularly for individuals with glaucoma or certain cardiovascular conditions.

At Opera Beds, our profiling beds with this position include a locking mechanism to ensure it cannot be maintained indefinitely without supervision.

Anti-Trendelenburg: The Reverse Position with Unique Benefits

The inverse of this positioning – where the head elevates above the feet – serves equally important functions:

• Surgical applications continue in procedures involving the upper abdomen and head/neck regions.
  
• Helps respiration for overweight and obese individuals during surgery by relieving the head, where pressure often builds up.

It’s important to note that the Anti-Trendelenburg position should not be used for extended periods of time, and patients must be constantly monitored to reduce the risk of hypotension.

Using Trendelenburg Positions Safely

While it's extremely rare to use these positions for medical purposes in a care or home environment, they can provide you with additional posture control and practicality. 

When combined with a profiling mattress platform, the Anti-Trendelenburg position can be used to form the pressure-relieving mattress into a nearly seated position, enabling those with restricted mobility to sit upright. Alternatively, you can raise the legs into the Trendelenburg with adjustable mobility beds, which helps with blood flow. 

It’s important to note that these positions should not be kept for a prolonged period of time as this can result in serious harm.

Do's and Don'ts 

For caregivers, this means:

• Understanding when these positions are really beneficial versus when they might pose risks
• Utilising beds with appropriate safety features like position locks and gradual adjustment
• Monitoring duration of use, especially for patients with cognitive impairments

For patients, proper use can mean:

• Better respiratory function during rest periods
• Reduced pressure sore risk
• Easier positioning for daily activities
  

At Opera Beds, our profiling care beds offer safety features which include locking handsets and slow-motion adjustment for added peace of mind to both user and caregiver.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Needs

Whether you're considering these features for post-surgical recovery, chronic condition management, or proactive pressure care, our team at Opera Beds are here to help. With over 20 years of experience, we offer:

• Expert consultation to match positioning needs with the right model
• NHS-compliant solutions that integrate with care plans
• Safety features and generous warranties for peace of mind

Contact our team today to discover how an Opera bed can make a world of difference.