The new Buxton Laminectomy Retractor features several design elements that increase usability. Any number of the interchangeable blades may be quickly slipped onto its sturdy arms, retracting both small and large incisions with equal ease and effect.

The basic set consists of the retractor frame plus four pairs of blades. Blades are available with prongs to prevent the retractor from riding up. By grouping blades of varied depths, multiple level retractions may be achieved. In all, twenty-eight blades are available, offering the surgeon a broad range of retraction options. Standard blades are 20 mm wide in lengths from 30 mm through 110 mm. Narrow blades are 12 mm wide in the same range of lengths.

A major concern in designing a self-retaining retractor is twisting or flexing of the frame. This was a particular problem with the Scoville varieties employing thin arms and a vertical rack To combat this, the Buxton Laminectomy Retractor employs a noticeably beefier frame, with the rack rotated 90°. The frame has also been fitted with an oversized crank handle for improved leverage when operating on heavy or muscular patients. The crank mechanism is reversible allowing the retractor to be used effectively from either the left or right side.

The Buxton Laminectomy Retractor features a crank handle operating in a horizontal plane, providing greater leverage than vertically mounted mechanisms on retractors such as the Scoville.

Talking Back, Vol. 1, No. 1