The primary use of Lagenbeck retractors is for which of the following?

Lagenbeck retractors are specifically designed for the retraction of soft tissues during surgical procedures. Their unique shape and angled design allow them to hold back layers of soft tissue, providing the surgeon with an unobstructed view of the surgical area. This is essential in many veterinary procedures where visibility and access to underlying structures, such as organs or blood vessels, is critical for successful outcomes. While they may indirectly aid in muscle and joint exposure by retracting surrounding soft tissues, their primary purpose is focused on soft tissue retraction.

Other instruments are typically employed for more specific tasks, such as joint or muscle retraction, which do not utilize the same design characteristics as Lagenbeck retractors. This specialty use makes the Lagenbeck retractors an invaluable tool in soft tissue surgical applications.