Final answer:
The Davidson Scapula Retractor is used to retract the scapula, aiding exposure during thoracic surgery. It involves moving the scapula toward the vertebral column, essential for procedures like thoracotomies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Davidson Scapula Retractor is a surgical instrument used to retract the scapula during procedures such as a thoracotomy. Retraction refers to the movement where the scapula is pulled posteriorly and medially, toward the vertebral column, which helps expose the surgical site. The terms protraction and retraction describe anterior-posterior movements of the scapula or mandible where protraction of the scapula is the shoulder moving forward, and retraction is the opposite. In the context of a thoracotomy, retraction is critical to provide adequate exposure of the structures within the chest cavity.
Important anatomic features of the scapula related to its movement include the coracoid process and the acromion. The coracoid process anchors muscles of the anterior chest and arm, whereas the spine of the scapula provides the attachment for neck and back muscles. Understanding these structures and their functions is essential for effective use of the retractor and minimizing injury.