Surgical elevator

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Surgical Elevator is a medical instrument used in various surgical procedures. It is primarily used to lift or separate tissues during surgery, particularly in dental procedures. The surgical elevator comes in different shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific type of surgery.

Types of Surgical Elevators[edit | edit source]

There are several types of surgical elevators, each designed for a specific type of surgery. Some of the most common types include:

  • Periosteal Elevators: These are used to separate the periosteum (the dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints) from the underlying bone.
  • Molt Periosteal Elevators: These are used in dental surgery to lift full-thickness soft tissue flaps.
  • Pritchard Elevators: These are used for reflecting and retracting the mucoperiosteum after incisions of the gingival tissue.
  • Warwick James' Elevators: These are used in dental procedures to loosen the tooth from the periodontal ligament and ease extraction.

Uses of Surgical Elevators[edit | edit source]

Surgical elevators are used in a variety of surgical procedures, including:

  • Dental Surgery: Surgical elevators are commonly used in dental procedures to lift and remove teeth, as well as to separate the periosteum from the underlying bone.
  • Orthopedic Surgery: In orthopedic surgery, surgical elevators are used to separate and lift bone or cartilage.
  • Plastic Surgery: In plastic surgery, surgical elevators are used to separate and lift skin and other soft tissues.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

As with any surgical procedure, the use of surgical elevators carries some risks. These may include:

  • Infection: This is a risk with any surgical procedure. Proper sterilization of the surgical elevator and other surgical instruments is crucial to prevent infection.
  • Damage to Surrounding Tissues: If not used properly, a surgical elevator can cause damage to surrounding tissues, leading to complications such as pain, swelling, and delayed healing.
Surgical elevator Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD