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A Mayfield head clamp is a rigid surgical positioning device used to hold the head steady during selected procedures. It is commonly used in neurosurgery and some spine procedures when precise head and neck positioning is needed. The clamp uses pins that contact the skull to limit movement during surgery. Trained operating room staff and surgeons apply and monitor it under controlled surgical conditions.
read more about mayfield head clamp ...The clamp attaches to the operating table or positioning system and holds the head in a planned position. Its pins create rigid fixation so the surgical area stays stable while the team works. The setup can also help with microscope use, navigation systems, or imaging during selected procedures. The position depends on the procedure, anatomy, airway access, and surgical plan.
A Mayfield head clamp can be used during brain surgery, skull base surgery, cervical spine surgery, and other procedures that need firm head control. It helps reduce unwanted movement when small structures or delicate tissue are involved. The device is not needed for every head or spine procedure. The surgical team chooses it when rigid fixation supports safer access and better positioning.
Staff check the clamp, pins, table connection, locks, pressure points, and patient position before surgery starts. The face, eyes, ears, airway, neck, arms, and pressure areas also need review after positioning. The clamp should stay stable during table movement, imaging, and surgical work. Any loose part, slipping, bleeding, or positioning concern needs immediate clinical review.
Possible risks include scalp bleeding, pin-site injury, skull injury, pressure injury, slipping, or pain after surgery. Risk can be higher in patients with fragile bone, thin skull areas, young age, or certain medical conditions. Pin sites are checked after the device is removed. Follow the care team's instructions if there is swelling, drainage, worsening pain, or bleeding at a pin site.
It can be used during procedures planned with anesthesia or selected awake techniques, depending on the surgery. The care team explains the plan and comfort measures before the procedure.
No. The clamp pins contact the skull to hold the head steady. They do not enter the brain.
Rigid fixation limits movement during procedures where small changes in position can affect surgical access. It can also support imaging, navigation, or microscope-guided work.
Yes. Pin sites can leave small marks, soreness, or minor bleeding after removal. Staff check the sites and give care instructions after surgery.
Mayfield A-3059, A-3059C, A-3059S Skull Clamp 510(k) Summary. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf12/K120633.pdf. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
The Mayfield Skull Clamp: A Literature Review of Its Complications and Technical Nuances for Application. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33940273/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Skull Fracture and Epidural Hematoma Caused by Use of a Mayfield Skull Clamp in an Adult Patient With Chronic Hemodialysis: A Case Report. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8033709/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Potential Risk Analysis and Experience Summarization of Cranial Fixation Devices in Pediatric Neurosurgery. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8080414/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Best Practices for Skull Clamp Pin Placement for Prone Patient Positioning. Codman Surgical. https://codmansurgical.integralife.com/best-practices-for-skull-clamp-pin-placement-for-prone-patient-positioning/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.