Amputation Retractors

Abstract

Anthropological studies show that human beings have been using the "amputation" technique for over 30,000 years. Amputation flap survival has increased with the development of anesthetics, surgical facilities, improved techniques, and with the discovery of antibiotics. In addition, the quality of life for amputation patients has improved significantly with the development of prosthetics. Today, amputation surgeries can frequently occur due to diabetes and peripheral vascular disease and delay in treatment can be fatal. During surgery for vasculopathies, retractors are needed to shorten the surgical time for less damage to soft tissues during bone incision, to protect the vessels of the flap and to make bone incision easier and faster. In this study, 7 different designs of amputation retractors were compared to the Percy retractor, which is considered the reference design, in terms of physical properties, usage and marketing. Until the First World War, retractors based on guillotine-like flap-prioritized incisions were used and allowed for more rapid surgeries. The development of antibiotics led to widespread use of amputation surgery flap applications, the development of surgical techniques and external surgical instruments. However, with the scientific advances after the Second World War, retractors were designed to offer both bone incision and flap incision prioritized surgery. In our study, we aimed to determine the development of amputation retractors in the 19th century and presented suggestions for the design of new retractors to the literature. For new retractors to be developed, the basic features recommended were those that:Protect the vessels of the flap while retracting the flap.Do not to interfere with the surgeon during bone incision.Offer ease of use with one person. Can be restabilized.Do not damage surgical sterile gloves.Have a large surface area.Hemostatic.