AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which of the following retractors is used specifically for spinal nerve roots?

1. Love

2. McBurney

3. Parker

4. Richardson

The correct answer is: Love

The Love retractor is specifically designed for the delicate task of retracting spinal nerve roots during surgical procedures. Its design allows for optimal exposure of the surgical field without placing undue pressure on surrounding tissues, which is essential in spinal surgeries where precision is critical. Understanding the anatomy and the requirement to avoid trauma to nerve structures is key in these procedures, making the Love retractor particularly suited for surgeries involving the spinal cord and nerve roots. It can hold the tissues in a way that enhances visibility and access while minimizing the risk of injury to the sensitive nerve structures being operated on. Other retractors listed have different applications. The McBurney retractor is typically used in abdominal surgeries, particularly for retracting layers of abdominal tissue during appendectomies. The Parker retractor, while versatile, is often employed in a range of surgical procedures but is not specialized for spinal nerve roots. The Richardson retractor is larger and generally used for general surgery procedures to hold back deeper tissues but lacks the precise design necessary for delicate spinal work.