Freer Periosteal Elevator

Description

The Freer periosteal elevator is a surgical equipment that is widely used in a variety of medical operations, notably in otolaryngology, maxillofacial surgery, and cosmetic surgery. This equipment, named for the American otolaryngologist Otto Freer, is intended to separate soft tissue from bone surfaces, specifically the thin periosteum, the connective tissue that covers the outer surface of bones.

Here are some main features of the Freer periosteal elevator:

Design: The Freer periosteal elevator has a thin, flat, curved blade with a rounded tip. The blade is linked to a handle, which may vary in design according on the manufacturer. The blade’s curvature makes it simpler to reach tiny places and curves on bone surfaces.

Material: These elevators are often manufactured of surgical-grade stainless steel, which ensures longevity, corrosion resistance, and simplicity of sterilizing. Some versions may use coated or specialty materials to improve performance or meet particular surgical needs.

The fundamental purpose of the Freer periosteal elevator is to gently elevate and separate soft tissue, namely the periosteum, from the underlying bone surface. This permits surgeons to perform numerous surgeries on the bone without causing damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

Applications: The Freer periosteal elevator is used in a variety of surgical procedures, including but not limited to:

• Rhinoplasty is a procedure for accessing and modifying the nasal bones and cartilages.
• Maxillofacial surgery involves raising the periosteum during treatments like orthognathic surgery or fracture healing. Plastic surgery methods include bone contouring and face repair.

Otolaryngology: Procedures like sinus surgery and tympanoplasty need access to the bone.
Surgeons commonly employ the Freer periosteal elevator to gently raise or separate the periosteum from the bone surface. Excessive force must be avoided, since this may cause harm to the soft tissues or underlying bone.

Variants: While the Freer periosteal elevator’s core design stays similar, blade curvature, length, and handle design may vary to meet various surgical demands or tastes.

Maintenance: As with other surgical devices, the Freer periosteal elevator requires adequate care and maintenance to preserve its life and efficacy. Following each usage, the device should be properly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with recognized methods.