Cruise Through Carpal Tunnels
on a Super Charged Retractor
As designed by Raymond K. Wurapa, MD and Richard Uhl, MD
Hold on!
At first glance it may look like the familiar Myerding retractor, but the standard Myerding's right angle blade is flat and narrow, making it insufficient for carpal tunnel procedures. Buxton has replaced these features with a broader, shorter convexly concave alternative. The blade has also been given a bit of a forward rake reminiscent of the tail fins of an old, 1960's DeSoto. This flare is for neither fun nor fashion but helps to fully lift and retract the surface of exposed fatty tissue.
In carpal tunnel procedures, improved visualization allows for the complete release of the proximal transverse carpal ligament and antibrachial fascia through a small incision in the palm. While the broad and contoured blade improves retraction, its bent-back angle keeps the instrument handle down low and out of the way. The large ring at the proximal end is a feature of enduring appeal to the traditionalist and the occasional arthritic finger.
Hand & Footnotes, Vol. 2, No. 4