Such are the times when bilateral retraction of the versatile Kölbel retractor does not provide enough exposure, but the instrument's simple design and ease of use leaves a surgeon reluctant to switch to anything else. If there were just one more arm to expose the inferior aspect ...

A movable, removable middle (third) arm is the latest innovation available for fans and fanciers of the popular Kölbel Retractor with interchangeable blades. Tucked amongst the many options is a frame fitted with a post-and-wing nut assembly at the center pivot screw. This post plays host to special 20 mm wide ribbon blades sporting slots running longitudinally up their center sections. Three center arm reaches are offered to match our most popular Kölbel blade depths of 36 mm, 53 mm and 68 mm. Slots in these blades allow generous placement fore and aft and even limited lateral adjustment. Tightening the wing nut secures the blade in position. If the blade is not needed, it can be easily removed. The center blades are also slightly malleable to allow a lesser or greater “undercut” of the retracted soft tissue, if needed.

The Modified Kölbel Retractor is offered in a variety of sets. For those who currently own any of our shoulder retractors and Kölbel blades, we offer this Modified Frame alone, with your choice of any single center blade or with all three. For folks just starting out and needing the side swivel blades, we offer Basic Sets in single depth assortments or more comprehensive sets with three middle blades and six or twelve Kölbel blade assortments. And for those already owning a Kölbel, even better news is described in the bottom article of page 1.

Modified Kölbel Retractor Options
24-6160 Modified Kölbel Retr. Frame, 1 middle blade
24-6161 Modified Kölbel Retr. Frame, 3 middle blades
24-6162 Modified Kölbel Retractor, frame only
24-6163 Mod Kölbel Set, 1 MB, 2 Kölbel blades, 36 mm
24-6164 Mod Kölbel Set, 1 MB, 2 Kölbel blades, 53 mm
24-6165 Mod Kölbel Set, 1 MB, 2 Kölbel blades, 68 mm
24-6168 Mod Kölbel Stndrd Set, 3 MB, 6 Kölbel blades
24-6169 Mod Kölbel Deluxe Set, 3 MB, 12 Kölbel blades

24-6173 Kölbel Retractor Middle Arm, 20 x 36 mm
24-6174 Kölbel Retractor Middle Arm, 20 x 53 mm
24-6175 Kölbel Retractor Middle Arm, 20 x 68 mm

Humerus Areas, Vol. 2, No. 4