What are universal plaster shears primarily intended to do?

Universal plaster shears are specifically designed for cutting materials such as plaster and dressings, making them essential tools in veterinary and medical settings. Their design features blades that allow them to safely and efficiently cut through the thick and durable materials typically used in bandaging and stabilizing fractures or injuries.

The sharp yet rounded tips of the shears help to reduce the risk of accidental injury to patients while providing the necessary strength to cut through tough materials. This design ensures that when a caregiver is removing or adjusting plaster casts or dressings, they can do so with both precision and safety in mind.

The other functions mentioned, such as needle holding, vaginal retraction, and suture removal, require specialized instruments other than plaster shears that are specifically designed for those tasks, making them unsuitable in this context.