Importance

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Abstract

The retractor of the present invention has supporting arms connected at an angle to the retractor blades to remove the arms of the retractor from the top edges of the wound and thus allow for a greater amount of latitude in applying various mechanical devices to the spine. The angled arms on the retractor blades themselves placed these structures deep within the wound and thus apply distraction forces where they are needed the most--near the spine itself to spread the muscles away from the spine and make it easier to see. The blades of this spinal retractor apply distraction forces deep within the wound where they are needed the most. On either side of the angled arms deep within the wound are vertical fingers projecting deeper into the wound on the lower portion and up out of the wound on the upper portion. The distances between the fingers provide further lateral angulation of instruments used in the wound itself for the placement of the spinal fixation devices. This retractor also has a laterally projecting anchor peg extending from the muscle side of the retractor blade which is meant to lie beneath the dorsolumbar fascia. This anchor peg locks the retractor into the depths of the wound and prevents its migration up and out of the wound as is so frequently encountered in other types of spinal retractors.

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First Claim