Abstract: A device for holding the head of a patient in a fixed position during a surgical operation characterized by a base support, a ring-like curved element having a sufficient radius of curvature to enable receiving the head of a patient within the element, means for supporting the ring-like element on the base support including a ball and socket joint having means for manually arresting the joint in any desired position, a pad supported on a rod acting as a headrest, a pin supported on a rod for holding the head in a fixed position on the pads, and means for mounting the rods supporting the pad and the rod for supporting the pins so that a head is clamped therebetween within the curved element. Preferably, the curved element is a ring having an opening along one side and the mounting means for each of the rods includes a bolt extending through spaced apertures in the ring so that the position of the rods can be adjusted on the ring.