Cloward Retractor
Also known as: Cloward Cervical Retractor, Cloward-style Cervical Retractor
Self-retaining cervical spine retractor (Cloward type) with a frame and interchangeable blade pairs, used to hold tissue apart during anterior neck surgery.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Cloward Retractor
The Cloward retractor is a self-retaining retractor associated with anterior cervical spine surgery. Once set, its frame holds the soft tissues of the neck apart without an assistant, keeping a working channel down to the front of the cervical spine.
Registry listings describe complete sets made of a rigid or articulating frame with a ratchet, plus several matched pairs of blades in graded depths. Blades are offered with teeth or as smooth "lipless" versions. Frames and blades are also sold separately, and modified Cloward-style frames are made by several companies.
The US FDA registry files several of these sets under self-retaining neurosurgical retractors. Blade depth is chosen to suit the patient's neck and the level being treated.
Product reference: Rigor Instruments — official product page. The listed company is shown as a source; check the catalogue for its role as manufacturer or supplier.
Common uses
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- Anterior cervical spine surgery
Variations, sizes & configurations
Shapes
- Curved
Jaw, tip & blade configurations
- Blunt
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Catalogue listings from manufacturers
| Brand | Catalogue item | Model no. | Size / length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor Instruments | Cloward Old Style Retractor (RI-S-3075) | RI-S-3075 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Cloward Retractor (RI-S-3048) | RI-S-3048 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Cloward Retractor Complete (RI-S-3436) | RI-S-3436 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Cloward Retractor Complete (RI-S-3443) | RI-S-3443 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Cloward Retractor Frame Only (RI-S-3444) | RI-S-3444 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Cloward Retractor Only (RI-S-3437) | RI-S-3437 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Cloward Retractors | Official site ↗ | ||
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Cloward Blade Retractor | 60-1781 | 7" / 178 mm · angled, smooth | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Cloward Blade Retractor | 60-1782 | 7" / 178 mm · angled, smooth | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Cloward Blade Retractor | 60-1783 | 7" / 178 mm · angled, smooth | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Cloward Vertebra Retractor | 47-2845 | Official site ↗ |
11 items listed in manufacturers’ own online catalogues, with sizes and model numbers as published. Check the exact item on the manufacturer’s page before ordering.
Companies offering this instrument
Rigor Instruments
Sialkot, Pakistan
Sialkot surgical instrument manufacturer with its own factory, offering spine, laparoscopy and obstetrics instruments and custom orders.
Shown only where the company’s own catalogue or website lists this instrument.
Further reading
- How to Read a Surgical Instrument CataloguePatterns, lengths, tips, locks, materials and finishes: the catalogue terms buyers need to compare instrument offers like for…
- Stainless Steel Grades and Finishes for Surgical InstrumentsMartensitic vs austenitic steel, ISO 7153-1 and ASTM F899, tungsten carbide inserts, titanium, and satin vs mirror finishes…
- How Surgical Instruments Are Made: From Forging to PassivationA step-by-step look at how reusable surgical instruments are made: steel choice, forging, machining, heat treatment, grinding, polishing…
Questions about the Cloward Retractor
What is a Cloward Retractor used for?
Self-retaining cervical spine retractor (Cloward type) with a frame and interchangeable blade pairs, used to hold tissue apart during anterior neck surgery.
What other names is the Cloward Retractor known by?
The Cloward Retractor is also known as Cloward Cervical Retractor, Cloward-style Cervical Retractor.
Which configurations of the Cloward Retractor are documented?
This guide records these variations, shapes: Curved; jaw, tip or blade: Blunt. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Cloward Retractor?
11 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Rigor Instruments (7) and Sklar Surgical Instruments (4). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Cloward Retractor?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Cloward Retractor include Rigor Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Cloward Retractor?
Other retractors in this directory include Balfour Abdominal Retractor, Deaver Retractor, Kocher Retractor and Ribbon Retractor. See all retractors.
What should I check when sourcing retractors?
- Pattern and size: compare the blade or prong size and depth and the handle style with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the Cloward Retractor this page records Curved shapes and Blunt tips.
- Material: confirm the exact steel grade or alloy in the supplier’s documentation, such as the material specification or certificate.
- Finish and any coating, as stated by the supplier.
- Regulatory marking or registration required in your target market (see medical device certifications).
- Reprocessing: the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation instructions in the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
Sources
- rigorinstruments.com/general-surgical-instruments/cloward-retractor-frame-only-ri-s-3444/
- rigorinstruments.com/general-surgical-instruments/cloward-retractor-complete-ri-s-3443/
- rigorinstruments.com/general-surgical-instruments/cloward-retractor-only-ri-s-3437/
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/10885403202162
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00190660133542
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00190776140106
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/10840199509536
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Cloward
Last checked 29 Oct 2026. Information is general reference, not clinical guidance.
Suggest a correction if any detail on this page is wrong.
Related instruments
Balfour Abdominal Retractor
Large self-retaining abdominal retractor with two lateral blades and a central bladder blade, used to hold a laparotomy wound open.
Deaver Retractor
Hand-held deep abdominal retractor with a broad, smoothly curved blade, invented by surgeon John Blair Deaver, used to retract organs and deep incisions.
Kocher Retractor
Hand-held retractor of the Kocher pattern, made with a blunt blade or with sharp hooks, used to hold back tissue during open surgery.
Ribbon Retractor
Flat, malleable strip retractor that can be bent to the shape needed, used to hold back organs and tissue in deep surgical wounds.