Method and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing a patient during hip distraction

A table extender, the table extender comprising:

• a base configured for extending beneath hips of a patient, the base comprising:
• a proximal portion for positioning adjacent to a surgical table,
• a distal portion disposed opposite the proximal portion and comprising one or more openings for optional mounting of a perineal post, and
• an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion,
• wherein the base of the table extender is radiolucent;
• a cushion mounted to the base;
• and
• mounts configured for user releasable mounting of the base to side rails of a surgical table so that the base can support the hips of the patient, the side rails extending longitudinally along and being spaced from sides of a platform of the surgical table, wherein the mounts comprise slotted clamps configured to slide longitudinally along the side rails when mounting, and the mounts are configured to mount the table extender in only one orientation with respect to the surgical table in which a top surface of the cushion is aligned with a top surface of the surgical table that contacts the patient,
• wherein the base and cushion have a rectangular shape so that the hips of the patient can be positioned entirely on the top surface of the cushion.