Relatively Atraumatic Tendon Forceps--James O. Stallings and Joan Lines
RELATIVELY ATRAUMATIC
TENDON FORCEPS
JAMES O. S T A L L I N G S and J O A N LINES, Des Moines INTRODUCTION
An Adson dressing forcep has been modified to hold Fogarty* jaw inserts. These are usually used in clamps for vascular and gastro-intestinal surgery. This new forcep was designed for firmly holding a tendon with a minimum of trauma. However, one must be gentle and not squeeze too hard. METHOD
The jaws of an Adson dressing forcep were made longer, wider and thicker for additional strength adequately to hold the inserts. Inserts are held in place by buttons which snap into holes in the jaw of the modified Adson forcep. Overall length of the new instrument is 3.3 cm. Width of jaw insert is 3.5 mm at the distal end and 5 mm at the proximal end. There are three types of jaw inserts available; the traction insert, softjaw and hydrajaw. The traction insert is composed of a rigid plastic, polyphenylene oxide, and has two rows of angled teeth which provide vertical and horizontal action. Sterilisation is by steam or ethylene oxide. The soft jaw inserts are composed of flexible plastic which evenly distributes the applied pressure. They should be discarded after use. Hydrajaw inserts are especially gentle because they are made of hollow moulded natural rubber filled with sterile silicone liquid. These can also be sterilised by steam or ethylene oxide. Inserts can be used in any combination. One traction insert in combination with either the hydrajaw or softjaw insert is particularly useful on tendons. It is possible to pass a needle through the pliant inserts, thereby attaching the insert to the suture line. For this reason, the compliant insert should be placed in the jaw of the forcep that can be visualised throughout the procedure. SUMMARY
A relatively atraumatic tendon forceps~" is described. It has proved to be quite useful in all types of tendon surgery. There is very minimal trauma to the tendon and great convenience to the surgeon. *Fogarty inserts are manufactured by Edward Laboratories, Division of American Hospital Supply Corporation, 17221 Red Hill Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92705. "~May be obtained from V. Mueller Company, 1929 2nd Street, S.W., Rochester, Minnesota 55901.