Retractorhook (also known as a surgical hook retractor) is a handheld or self-retaining surgical instrument used to hold back soft tissue, muscle, skin, or organs to provide better exposure of the surgical field.
Purpose and Function
To retract tissue or anatomical structures during surgical procedures.
Allows the surgeon unobstructed visualization and access to the target area.
Reduces the need for manual retraction by assistants.
Types
By Design
Sharp hook: Penetrates fascia or muscle. Used in spinal, orthopedic, or neurosurgical exposure.
Blunt hook: Retracts softer structures without trauma (e.g., vessels or nerves).
Skin hook: Fine and delicate, used in plastic or ophthalmic surgery.
By Configuration
Handheld: Requires manual control by assistant or surgeon.
Self-retaining: Mounted or attached to retraction systems (e.g., Leyla arm, Greenberg system).
Common Examples
Cushing hook
Cloward hook
Hohmann retractor (with hook tip)
Adson hook
Miyake nerve hook
Surgical Uses
Neurosurgery: Retraction of dura, nerve roots, brain parenchyma.
Orthopedic surgery: Exposure of joints, bones, and ligaments.
ENT and plastic surgery: Fine tissue handling with minimal trauma.
Spinal surgery: Retraction of paraspinal muscles, lamina, or dura.
Key Considerations
Must avoid excessive pressure to prevent tissue ischemia or nerve damage.
Sharp hooks must be used carefully to prevent accidental puncture.
Always assess anatomical relationships before placement.
Should be cleaned and inspected regularly to maintain sharpness and integrity.