hyperextension bed, a bed used in pediatric orthopedics to maintain any correction achieved by suspension of a body part and to increase the range of motion of the hips after an operative muscle release procedure. The hyperextension bed may be purchased, or a regular hospital bed may be converted. Removal of the mattress from a hospital bed and the addition of three half mattresses allow sufficient height to permit alternating prone and supine positions and the concomitant alternating flexion and extension of the hips. The bilateral extremities of the patient, in casts, are suspended over the lower half of the bed with rings and traction apparatus. The position of the patient’s hips is alternated at 2-hour intervals; abduction and adduction can be controlled by the position of the pulleys. Restraints are required to maintain the child in position so that the horizontal, gluteal folds are even with the bottom edge of the stacked mattresses. Also called Schwartz bed. Compare CircOlectric (COL) bed, Foster bed, Stryker wedge frame™.
