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Spine surgery retractors designed to temporarily separate and hold back the edges of a posterior cervical incision, exposing and providing access to the cervical vertebrae and surrounding anatomical structures. These retractors are handheld, manual instruments available in a variety of shapes and styles, usually including blunt distal blades and an integral handle according to the spinal procedure to be performed. Some cervical retractors include two blades and scissor-like ratchet handles that permit the retractor to retain the position once it is set (i.e., self-retained retractors). Dedicated retractors intended to perform minimal-access cervical (and upper thoracic) spinal surgery (e.g., including pivoting tubes and pliable skirts to permit appropriate visualization) are also available.
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