Prichard Periosteal Elevator Retractor #3/9A short handle #522

What is the Prichard #3/9A periosteal elevator with short #522 handle?

The Prichard #3/9A periosteal elevator is a specialized manual instrument developed by the manufacturer Hu-Friedy for oral surgery. This model is distinguished by its double active end, combining two complementary shapes for soft tissue management. It is mounted on a short #522 type handle, offering a specific grip for practitioners seeking a compact instrument. As a Class I medical device, it meets the quality requirements of the brand Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC. Its structure is designed to withstand repeated sterilization cycles in dental offices or hospital environments, guaranteeing longevity in accordance with professional surgical instrumentation standards.

What are the clinical indications?

This instrument is primarily indicated for periodontal, implant, and oral surgery procedures requiring the creation and maintenance of a full-thickness flap. As a periosteal elevator, it is used to separate the periosteum from the alveolar bone after the initial incision. Its design allows the dental surgeon to retract gingival tissues in a stable manner, thus providing optimal visibility of the bone crest or periodontal defects. It is used during implant placement, bone grafting, or the surgical treatment of periodontal pockets. The use of this Hu-Friedy instrument is strictly reserved for healthcare professionals trained in oral surgery techniques.

What are the technical characteristics?

The Prichard #3/9A periosteal elevator features a double-ended architecture. The #3 end is generally used for initial elevation and tissue separation, while the #9A end allows for effective retraction of wider flaps. The short #522 handle is an ergonomic specificity from Hu-Friedy, allowing precise control in restricted access areas or for practitioners preferring a shorter lever. Manufactured by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, this Class I instrument is designed to be reusable after a strict cleaning and sterilization protocol. Its finish is optimized to reduce reflections under operating lights, facilitating the practitioner's visual comfort during the procedure.

What are the contraindications for use?

In accordance with the information provided by the manufacturer Hu-Friedy, specific contraindications are not listed outside of the intended use. However, the use of this periosteal elevator is contraindicated for any person who does not have the qualification of a healthcare professional. It must not be used on tissues presenting uncontrolled acute inflammatory pathologies if the surgical procedure is not appropriate. It is imperative to check the integrity of the instrument before each use; a damaged, bent, or corroded instrument must not be used. Compliance with the sterilization protocol is mandatory to prevent any risk of cross-infection, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for use.

What are the maintenance precautions for this non-absorbable instrument?

As a non-absorbable metallic surgical instrument, the Prichard #3/9A periosteal elevator requires rigorous maintenance to maintain its functional properties. After each procedure, the instrument must be cleaned to remove organic debris before proceeding with sterilization. Hu-Friedy recommends carefully following the manual or ultrasonic cleaning instructions to preserve the surface condition of the active ends. Complete drying is essential before autoclaving to prevent oxidation. Although robust, the precision of the #3 and #9A ends must be protected against mechanical shocks. Regular visual inspection ensures that the short #522 handle and the working parts do not show any structural alterations.

Who is the manufacturer and what standards are met?

The device is manufactured by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, whose headquarters is located at 3232 N. Rockwell St. Chicago, Il 60618 USA. Hu-Friedy is a globally recognized manufacturer in the dental instrumentation sector for its quality requirements. This periosteal elevator is classified as a Class I medical device according to current regulations. It is essential to carefully read the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer before any implementation. Compliance with the hygiene and maintenance protocols dictated by Hu-Friedy guarantees the instrument's conformity with safety requirements for the patient and the practitioner. This product is exclusively intended for distribution and use by qualified healthcare professionals.

State of the art

Specialized surgical instrumentation is evolving towards ergonomic designs.