Cobb Spinal Elevator
Also known as: Cobb elevator, Cobb raspatory, Cobb periosteal elevator
A sturdy, broad-bladed Cobb elevator used in spinal surgery to strip the paraspinal muscles subperiosteally from the spinous processes and laminae.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Cobb Spinal Elevator
The Cobb elevator is a robust periosteal elevator (raspatory) with a broad blade on a long round handle. Stille calls its Cobb raspatory a popular pattern with a round handle, made in several tip sizes.
In posterior approaches to the spine, the AO Foundation surgery reference describes the paraspinal muscles being elevated subperiosteally from the laminae with a Cobb elevator, working along the spinous processes and laminae; it notes that subperiosteal dissection limits bleeding and muscle damage.
Blade width, curvature and handle length vary; extra-long-handled versions are also listed.
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
- Posterior spinal exposure
- Subperiosteal elevation of paraspinal muscles
Variations, sizes & configurations
Jaw, tip & blade configurations
- Delicate
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 | Harrington Cobb Spinal Elevator 13mm – Neuro Surgical Instrument (RI-1-1075) | RI-1-1075 | #8211, 13mm | Official site ↗ |
| Rigor Instruments | Harrington Cobb Spinal Elevator 19mm – Neuro Surgical Instrument (RI-1-1075) | RI-1-1075 | #8211, 19mm | Official site ↗ |
27 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 Cobb Spinal Elevator
What is a Cobb Spinal Elevator used for?
A sturdy, broad-bladed Cobb elevator used in spinal surgery to strip the paraspinal muscles subperiosteally from the spinous processes and laminae.
What other names is the Cobb Spinal Elevator known by?
The Cobb Spinal Elevator is also known as Cobb elevator, Cobb raspatory, Cobb periosteal elevator.
Which configurations of the Cobb Spinal Elevator are documented?
This guide records these variations, jaw, tip or blade: Delicate. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Cobb Spinal Elevator?
27 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Hexamed (16) and Rigor Instruments (11). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Cobb Spinal Elevator?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Cobb Spinal Elevator include Rigor Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Cobb Spinal Elevator?
Other elevators in this directory include Adson Periosteal Elevator, Farabeuf Rugine, Freer Elevator and MacDonald Elevator. See all elevators.
What should I check when sourcing elevators?
- Pattern and size: compare the shape and width of the working end and the handle with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the Cobb Spinal Elevator this page records Delicate 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/neuro-surgical-instruments/cobb-spinal-elevator-with-extra-long-handle-30mm-neuro-surgical-instrument-ri-1-1076/
- rigorinstruments.com/neuro-surgical-instruments/cobb-spinal-elevator-with-extra-long-handle-25mm-neuro-surgical-instrument-ri-1-1076/
- rigorinstruments.com/neuro-surgical-instruments/cobb-spinal-elevator-with-extra-long-handle-20mm-neuro-surgical-instrument-ri-1-1076/
- surgicalholdings.co.uk/media/files/stille-instruments-catalogue.pdf
- surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/spine/trauma/thoracolumbar/approach/posterior-open-approach---midline-approach-t1-s1
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
Adson Periosteal Elevator
A round-nosed Adson-pattern elevator used in neurosurgery to lift periosteum and to pry up or position a bone flap; straight or curved.
Farabeuf Rugine
A broad, sharp-edged Farabeuf raspatory (rugine), straight or curved, used to scrape and lift periosteum from bone.
Freer Elevator
A slim double-ended elevator with a sharp and a blunt end, used in nasal septal surgery and in the reduction of nasal fractures.
MacDonald Elevator
A double-ended MacDonald dissector/elevator with blunt working ends, used to lift and separate tissue.