Retractor with adjustable length blades and light pipe guides

摘要

Variable length blades for use with a retractor or distractor include a fixed upper portion and an adjustable extension that allows adjustment to accommodate a wide range of patients. A variable length retractor blade has a fixed upper portion that can vary in length from 10 to 15 cm. having a telescoping extension that can be adjusted to vary the length of the blade from 12 to as much as 24 cm. The variable blades include conventional flanges with a header for securing the variable blades on the end of retractor/distractor arms. An additional option is the inclusion of tubular guides in the variable length blade extension for placement of plurality of fixation screws and a light pipe to provide intensive illumination for the surgical site. Three tubular guides are provided in the upper and lower ends of the telescoping extension on the variable length blade for use with a distractor. The two outer tubular guides are used to place two fixation grooves in each blade to provide a stable platform for a distractor frame. A center tubular guide is used to position a light pipe for intense illumination of a surgical site. A locking mechanism is also provided to hold a telescoping extension in an adjusted position. The locking mechanism is comprised of teeth along one edge of the fixed blade and a ratchet mechanism to lock the position of a blade after it is extended.