---
title: "Rose Position"
description: "ENT notes on Rose Position."
source: "The ENT Resident"
author: "Dr. Mausumi Das"
canonical_url: "https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/rose-position"
categories: ["Short Questions in ENT", "Surgery"]
video: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRdfwEEgsIE"
image: "https://media.theentresident.com/og-images/rose-position.png"
---

# Rose Position

ENT notes on Rose Position. Watch the full video lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRdfwEEgsIE

## 🌹 Rose’s Position – ENT Surgical Position Explained

Rose’s position is a **commonly used surgical position in ENT**, especially during **oropharyngeal surgeries**. It is a **high yield viva and MCQ topic**, frequently asked in relation to tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

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### What is Rose’s Position?

Rose’s position is a **supine surgical position** in which the **head is extended at the atlanto occipital joint** to provide optimal exposure of the oropharynx.

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### How is Rose’s Position attained?

- The patient is placed **supine**

- A **sandbag or head ring** is placed under the **shoulders**. This causes:
  - Extension of the neck
  - Slight backward tilt of the head

- The **head is extended at the atlanto-occipital joint**

➡️ This configuration is known as **Rose’s position**.

> What is the purpose of Rose's Position?

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### Surgeries Where Rose’s Position is Used

- Tonsillectomy (most common)
- Adenoidectomy
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnea
- Palatal surgeries
  - Cleft palate repair
  - Pharyngoplasty
- Oropharyngeal tumor excision
- Base of tongue surgeries
- Oral cavity tumor resection
- Foreign body removal from oropharynx
- Microlaryngeal surgeries

> What are the Precautions you should take while Using Rose’s Position?

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### Contraindications of Rose’s Position

**1️⃣ Cervical Spine Instability or Trauma**

- Atlantoaxial dislocation
- Cervical spine injury
- Rheumatoid arthritis  
➡️ Risk of **spinal cord injury**

**2️⃣ Congenital Cervical Spine Anomalies**

- **Down syndrome** (atlantoaxial instability) - ⚠️ **Very important MCQ point**

**3️⃣ Severe Kyphosis or Spinal Deformities**

- Neck extension may not be possible or safe

**4️⃣ Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea**

- Excessive neck extension can **worsen airway obstruction** under anesthesia

**5️⃣ Raised Intracranial Pressure**

- Neck extension → venous congestion  
- Can worsen **cerebral edema**

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### 📌 Key Exam Points 

- Extension occurs at **atlanto-occipital joint**

- Used mainly for **oropharyngeal surgeries**

- **Down syndrome** is a classic contraindication (Important MCQ)

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## About This Note

This free ENT note on Rose Position was written by Dr. Mausumi Das and is paired with a corresponding video lecture.

Canonical page of this note: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/rose-position

When citing or referencing this content, please credit The ENT Resident and link to the canonical page above.

## Related Notes by Category

- Short Questions in ENT: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/short-questions-in-ent.md
- Surgery: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/surgery.md

## About The ENT Resident

The ENT Resident is an educational website and resource library created by Dr. Mausumi Das (MS ENT) for ENT residents, ENT postgraduates preparing for exams, and MBBS students.

Dr. Mausumi Das writes the notes, draws the diagrams, and records the lectures herself.

Browse all ENT notes and lectures on The ENT Resident: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures.md

## Medical-use Boundary

The ENT Resident provides educational material for medical learning and revision. It does not provide patient-specific medical advice, diagnosis, or emergency care, and it is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

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