What is the primary function of a Meyerding retractor?

The primary function of a Meyerding retractor is to hold back soft tissues during surgery. This instrument is specifically designed to provide visibility and access to the surgical site by retracting layers of skin, muscle, and other soft tissues away from the area being operated on. The design of the Meyerding retractor allows it to effectively maintain tension and hold tissues aside, which is crucial for the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures. This ensures that the surgeon has a clear field to work in, minimizing the risk of complications that can arise from obstructed views or unintentional damage to surrounding structures.

The other options describe functions that are not related to the characteristics or intended use of the Meyerding retractor. For example, assisting in reducing fractures pertains to a different category of instruments designed for orthopedic procedures. Similarly, measuring the length of bones or manipulating bone fragments are tasks for specialized tools, not for retractors whose primary purpose is tissue retraction.