SURGICAL TABLE

A multi-purpose surgical table and method of use is disclosed, the table having particular use in conjunction with a mobile X-ray image intensification unit. The table provides an open area free of obstructions for the image intensifier of the image intensification unit to be located beneath the patient, permitting lateral and anterior-posterior views of an injured extremity or trunk of the body without change of position of the patient from an initial supine position on the table, without change in position of the table, and without change in the initial set position of the image intensification unit on the floor. The table has a sacral rest extending distally of a support pedestal. The sacral rest is substantially transparent to X-rays and free of any obstruction directly underneath. A perineal post substantially transparent to X-rays is mounted on the sacral rest. A leg support for the leg to be treated pivots vertically and horizontally about a pivot point coinciding with the anatomical axis of the hip joint of the injured leg. The leg support extends alongside the outer length of the leg at a sufficient height from the floor on which the table is resting to allow the image intensifier in its lowest position for anterior-posterior viewing and yet give sufficient clearance for the face of the image intensifier to be positioned closely adjacent or against the skin of the leg of the patient for both anterior-posterior and lateral viewing without movement of the patient or the table.