Abstract: A leg holding and positioning device for use in surgical operative procedures comprising a housing (10) which is adapted for attachment to the rail (12) of an operating table (not shown) by means of a member (11) and a clamp (13) the housing having projecting from it a shaft (14) which is connected to a viscous damper or other device within the casing (10) to control rotation of the shaft (14), such device being associated with the control knob (18) whereby the shaft may be fixed in any one of a number of rotated positions. A member (25) is attached to one end of the shaft (14) and in use lies alongside the operative leg of a person on the operating table, the leg being secured to the member (25) by means of the bracket (32) and straps (35) and (36).