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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Handheld: Requires manual control by assistant or surgeon.
• Self-retaining: Mounted or attached to retraction systems (e.g., Leyla arm, Greenberg system).

• Cushing hook
• Cloward hook
• Hohmann retractor (with hook tip)
• Adson hook
• Miyake nerve hook

• 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.

• 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.

• Langenbeck retractor
• Rake retractor
• Deaver retractor
• Nerve root retractor
• Malleable retractor