Max Plus | A VOLKMANN RETRACTOR is a surgical instrument used to hold back tissues and organs to expose underlying anatomical structures during surgical procedures. Here's a breakdown of what that entails:
Purpose:
It's a hand-held retractor, meaning it's operated by the surgeon or a surgical assistant.
Its primary function is to provide clear visualization of the surgical site by retracting (pulling back) soft tissues.
Characteristics:
Prongs: The defining feature of a Volkmann retractor is its series of prongs at the working end. A "4-prong" Volkmann retractor has four of these prongs. These prongs can be sharp or blunt, depending on the specific surgical needs.
Use: Often used in orthopedic surgery, and other procedures where soft tissue needs to be retracted.
Material: Typically made of stainless steel, allowing for sterilization and reuse.
Variations:
Volkmann retractors come in different sizes and with varying numbers of prongs (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more).
The prongs themselves can be sharp or blunt, to accommodate different tissue types.