rose position rose position rose position is a position in which a patient is placed while undergoing a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. position in this position both the head and neck are extended. this is done by keeping a sand bag under the supine patient's shoulder blade. for a patient with a kyphosis or a stiff neck, the head piece of the table is raised so that the head ring really does support the head. its contraindicated in patients with down syndrome owing to atlanto-axial instability. history this position owes its name to a staff nurse named rose who suggested this position to the surgeon.