Adjustable length, reusable retraction blades

An adjustable blade assembly for surgical retraction, the adjustable blade comprising:

• a fixed portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more channels;
• an extendible blade engaged with the one or more channels and longitudinally displaceable therein, the extendible blade extending from the distal end;
• and
• a threaded rod or screw threadably engaged with the fixed portion, the threaded rod or screw having a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the extendible blade has a proximal end located in the one or more channels and extends from a terminal end of the distal portion of the threaded rod or screw;
• wherein the threaded rod or screw translates with the extendible blade as the threaded rod or screw rotates.

A method of adjusting an adjustable retractor blade assembly, the method comprising:

• rotating a threaded rod or screw that is threadably connected to a fixed portion at a connecting location, the fixed portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more channels;
• adjusting a length of an extendible blade relative to the distal end of the fixed portion as the threaded rod or screw rotates, the extendible blade has a proximal end located in the one or more channels and extending from a distal end of the threaded rod or screw engaged with the one or more channels and longitudinally displaceable therein;
• and
• adjusting a length of the threaded rod or screw extending proximally from the connecting location as the threaded rod or screw rotates;
• wherein the threaded rod or screw translates with the extendible blade as the threaded rod or screw rotates.