Hohmann Retractor
Also known as: Hohmann Bone Lever, Hohmann Elevator, Hohmann-Hebel (German)
Orthopaedic bone lever with a narrow tip, used to lever soft tissue away and expose bone during orthopaedic surgery.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Hohmann Retractor
The Hohmann retractor is an orthopaedic retractor that works as a lever. Its narrow, often pointed or hooked tip is placed around or against bone, and pressing on the handle levers muscle and soft tissue out of the way to expose the bone. German references describe the Hohmann lever as a typical instrument for gaining access to bone in orthopaedics and trauma surgery.
Instruments in this class are robust, with a blunt tip that has no cutting edge, and come in many widths, blade shapes and curves. Catalogues list narrow and wide, angled, tapered-spike and mini versions, and some double as elevators. That is why the names "Hohmann elevator" and "Hohmann bone lever" are also used.
Hohmann retractors are standard in many joint-replacement instrument sets, including hip, knee and shoulder systems. The shape is chosen to suit the bone and the surgical approach.
Product reference: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments — official product page. The listed company is shown as a source; check the catalogue for its role as manufacturer or supplier.
Common uses
- Hip and knee replacement
- Shoulder arthroplasty
- Fracture surgery and orthopaedic trauma
- Exposure of bone in hand surgery
Variations, sizes & configurations
Lengths
- 17.5cm
- 19.5cm
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Catalogue specifications (Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments)
- Hohmann Elevator/Retractor 19.5cm, 15mm blade
- Hohmann Elevator/Retractor 19.5cm, 10mm blade
- Hohmann Elevator/Retractor 17.5cm, 15mm blade
- Hohmann Elevator/Retractor 17.5cm, 10 mm blade
- Hohmann Elevator/Retractor 17.5cm, 6mm blade
As published in the brand’s online catalogue. View official product ↗
Catalogue listings from manufacturers
| Brand | Catalogue item | Model no. | Size / length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Hohmann Elevator/Retractor | ASSI.AG66226 | 17.5cm · 6mm blade · 6mm blade | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Hohmann Elevator/Retractor | ASSI.AG66326 | 17.5cm · 10 mm blade · 10 mm blade | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Hohmann Elevator/Retractor | ASSI.AG66426 | 17.5cm · 15mm blade · 15mm blade | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Hohmann Elevator/Retractor | ASSI.AG66526 | 19.5cm · 10mm blade · 10mm blade | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Hohmann Elevator/Retractor | ASSI.AG66726 | 19.5cm · 15mm blade · 15mm blade | Official site ↗ |
| Hexamed | Retractor Hohmann 15mm, 16cm | 16cm · 15mm | Official site ↗ |
6 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
Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments
Westbury, United States
New York supplier of surgical instruments for many specialties, with offices on both US coasts.
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 Hohmann Retractor
What is a Hohmann Retractor used for?
Orthopaedic bone lever with a narrow tip, used to lever soft tissue away and expose bone during orthopaedic surgery.
What other names is the Hohmann Retractor known by?
The Hohmann Retractor is also known as Hohmann Bone Lever, Hohmann Elevator, Hohmann-Hebel (German).
What lengths and sizes is the Hohmann Retractor listed in?
Lengths recorded from the sources for this guide: 17.5 cm and 19.5 cm. Ranges differ between manufacturers, so confirm the exact size in the catalogue you order from.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Hohmann Retractor?
6 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (5) and Hexamed (1). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Hohmann Retractor?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Hohmann Retractor include Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Hohmann Retractor?
Other retractors in this directory include Desmarres Lid Retractor, Gelpi Retractor, Richardson-Eastman Retractor and Surgical Retractors. 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 Hohmann Retractor this page records lengths of 17.5 cm and 19.5 cm.
- 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
- accuratesurgical.com/hand-surgery-elevator-retractors/hohmann-elevator-retractor-5/
- accuratesurgical.com/hand-surgery-elevator-retractors/hohmann-elevator-retractor-4/
- accuratesurgical.com/hand-surgery-elevator-retractors/hohmann-elevator-retractor-3/
- de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retraktor_(Chirurgie)
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retractor_(medicine)
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/M7161013410
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00841690184942
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/10885862557520
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/10885862661388
- surgicalholdings.co.uk/orthopaedic/retractors/hohmann-tapered-spike-retractor.html
- sklarcorp.com/p/econo-mini-hohmann-6mm-6-5-bx12/21-195
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
Desmarres Lid Retractor
Curved hand-held lid retractor named after ophthalmologist Louis-Auguste Desmarres, used to lift and evert the eyelid; larger versions serve elsewhere.
Gelpi Retractor
Self-retaining retractor with two pointed hooked arms and a ratchet lock, the Gelpi pattern, used to hold small or shallow incisions open.
Richardson-Eastman Retractor
Double-ended hand-held abdominal retractor (Richardson-Eastman pattern) with a different-sized blade at each end, used to retract deep abdominal incisions.
Surgical Retractors
Instruments that hold back wound edges, organs and tissue so the surgeon can see and reach the operative site; hand-held or self-retaining.