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A lithotomy stirrup is a positioning support attached to an exam table or operating table to hold the legs in the lithotomy position. In this position, the patient lies on the back with the hips and knees flexed and the legs supported apart. Stirrups help clinicians access the pelvis, perineum, urinary tract, or rectal area. They are used in gynecology, urology, colorectal care, obstetrics, and surgery.
read more about lithotomy stirrup ...A lithotomy stirrup is used to position and support the legs during exams or procedures. It may be used for pelvic exams, Pap tests, vaginal procedures, childbirth, cystoscopy, urethral surgery, rectal procedures, or other operations involving the lower pelvis. In surgery, stirrups help maintain a stable position while the patient is under anesthesia. The chosen stirrup type and positioning depend on the procedure, patient size, mobility, and safety needs.
The stirrups support the feet, calves, or lower legs while keeping the hips and knees flexed. Some designs support only the feet, while others cradle the calves to spread pressure over a larger area. The legs are usually raised and lowered together to reduce strain. Padding, alignment, and position checks help reduce pressure on nerves and soft tissue.
Common types include candy-cane stirrups, boot-style stirrups, knee-crutch supports, and adjustable surgical leg holders. Boot-style stirrups distribute pressure across the foot and calf and are often used for longer procedures. Candy-cane stirrups are simpler supports often used for shorter exams or procedures. Weight capacity, padding, adjustability, and table compatibility must be checked before use.
Lithotomy positioning can cause nerve injury, compartment syndrome, hip strain, back pain, pressure injury, or circulation problems if prolonged or poorly supported. The common peroneal nerve near the fibular head and the femoral or sciatic nerves may be at risk from pressure or stretch. Staff should pad bony areas, avoid excessive hip flexion, and monitor procedure time. New leg pain, numbness, weakness, swelling, or foot drop after lithotomy positioning should be reported promptly.
No. They are also used in urology, colorectal surgery, obstetrics, and other procedures that need access to the pelvic or perineal area.
Yes. Poor positioning, pressure near the fibular head, excessive stretch, or prolonged time can injure nerves.
Moving both legs together helps reduce twisting, hip strain, and uneven pressure during positioning.
Boot stirrups can distribute pressure more broadly, especially during longer procedures, but safety still depends on fit, padding, duration, and monitoring.
Anatomy, Patient Positioning. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513320/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Gynecologic Pelvic Examination. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534223/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Peripheral Nerve Injury. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549848/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Compartment Syndrome Due to Patient Positioning. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553906/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Postoperative Lower Extremity Neuropathy With Boot Stirrups Compared With Candy Cane Stirrups. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33831927/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.