Which retractor is commonly used in surgical procedures to hold back larger areas of tissue?

The army navy retractor is designed specifically for holding back larger areas of soft tissue during surgical procedures, making it a versatile instrument in both open and minimally invasive surgeries. Its shape allows it to be inserted into different body cavities and effectively hold back a substantial amount of tissue, providing the surgeon with a clear view and better access to the surgical site.

The unique angled arms of the army navy retractor can also be adjusted to maintain tension and stability, ensuring that the surgical field remains clear throughout the procedure. This ability to manipulate and secure tissue is critical in operations where precision and visibility are paramount.

Other instruments listed, such as the Meyerding retractor, also serve a retracting purpose but are typically used for more specific applications or in confined spaces. The Kerrison rongeur is primarily a cutting instrument used for removing bone or soft tissue during neurosurgical procedures, while the meniscal probe is designed for exploring the knee joint and assessing meniscal tears. These instruments do not serve the primary function of retracting larger areas of tissue in the same versatile manner as the army navy retractor does.