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Retractor Hook
Retractor hook (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.
Related Instruments
- Langenbeck retractor
- Rake retractor
- Deaver retractor
- Nerve root retractor
- Malleable retractor