title: An improved retractor for the anterior approach in the surgical management of vertebral fractures.
abstract: Interest appears to be increasing in the anterior approach for the surgical management of thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures. However, adequate exposure requires a self-retaining retractor system. Current stainless steel systems, by interfering with fluoroscopic visualization of bony fractures and landmarks, require frequent repositioning. We found that a newly available aluminum alloy retractor system provides excellent operative exposure without significant fluoroscopic obstruction. This system eliminates the frustration of frequent retractor repositioning and saves us an average of 20 to 30 minutes of operating room time per vertebral repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Barone
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Hudec
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum; D004210:Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D011187:Posture; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000592:standards*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000535:Aluminum