Tenotomy scissors are small surgical scissors with large handles used for delicate areas. They are commonly used in urological, neurological, and ophthalmic procedures, and are made of stainless steel with sharp or blunt tips. They are also used in veterinary practices and for dissection projects.
Tenotomy scissors are a type of surgical scissors used to cut small tissue and maneuver in delicate areas. The name itself refers to surgical tenotomy, which involves making a partial incision, or cut, through the tendons. These scissors feature extremely small blades with very large handles, which ensure a firm grip while maintaining precision and allowing access to small areas. They may also be known as Stevens scissors or Stevens tenotomy scissors.
Surgeons may use scissors for operations on difficult or small-scale areas, such as the eyelids, lips and brain. Urological, neurological, and ophthalmic procedures particularly benefit from the size, shape, and delicacy afforded by narrow blades, although this style of scissor is a staple in nearly every surgical setting. They are commonly used for precision surgical dissection and tissue transplants around difficult areas. Some of the sharpest scissors are even capable of cutting through small bones and gristle in places like the nasal passages.
The medium pair of Stevens scissors has blades exactly 4.25 cm (10.8 inches) long. The blades are curved or straight. Tenotomy scissors with longer blades average 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) long, although larger and smaller variations are available. The most common material for all surgical scissors is stainless steel, although some may be made from titanium or another durable metal that can be easily sterilized. The handles are usually coated with an oxidized material for easy identification and recognition in the surgical environment.
Both straight and curved blades come in dull or sharp-pointed designs. Curved scissors may be preferred by surgeons due to the greater visibility and maneuverability afforded by the design. Sharp-tipped scissors are useful for accurate cutting, while blunt-tipped scissors can be used to dissect mucous membranes and other soft tissue. Other designs may include a lighter weight design, a different handle style, or special micro-serrated blades for a sharper cutting edge.
Tenotomy scissors are also widely used in veterinary practices, especially on small pets. Many pets have smaller tissues and membranes than humans. This makes Stevens scissors useful for veterinary surgeries where smaller scissors are needed in general, rather than simply for more delicate areas.
This also makes them ideal for dissecting animals in a laboratory setting or biology classroom. Many students use Stevens scissors or iris scissors in dissection projects, just as scientists use them to dissect and analyze animal tissue. Tenotomy scissors can also be useful for cutting delicate tissue during autopsy procedures.
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