Figure 53-8 The sitting position. The patient is typically semirecumbent rather than sitting. In A, the head holder support is correctly positioned such that the head can be lowered without the necessity of first detaching the head holder. The configuration in B, with the support attached to the thigh portion of the table, should be avoided. (From Martin JT: Positioning in Anesthesia and Surgery. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1988.)