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. 2016 May 4;5(2):121–136. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v5.i2.121

Table 3.

Absolute and relative contraindications to prone positioning

Absolute
Unmonitored or significantly increased intracranial pressure
Unstable vertebral fractures
Relative
Difficult airway management
Tracheal surgery or sternotomy during the previous 15 d
New tracheostomy (less than 24 h)
Single anterior chest tube with air leaks
Serious facial trauma or facial surgery during the previous 15 d
Increased intraocular pressure
Hemodynamic instability or recent cardiopulmonary arrest
Cardiac pacemaker inserted in the last 2 d
Ventricular assist device
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Deep venous thrombosis treated for less than 2 d
Massive hemoptysis requiring an immediate surgical or interventional radiology procedure
Continuous dialysis
Severe chest wall lesions ± rib fractures
Recent cardiothoracic surgery/unstable mediastinum or open chest
Multiple trauma with unstabilized fractures
Femur, or pelvic fractures ± external pelvic fixation
Pregnant women
Recent abdominal surgery or stoma formation
Kyphoscoliosis
Advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Body weight greater than 135 kg