By Alphonsus K. Chong, MD

As hand surgeons, we have a wide variety of surgical instruments to help perform required operative tasks. Many of these tools have evolved to do very specialized functions that they perform effectively. In this group, the mini Hohmann retractors and K-wire sleeves come immediately to mind. My favorite tool, however, is more like a multi-tool than a precision weapon, which explains the appeal it has for me.

My favorite tool of the trade is the dissector. This unassuming but versatile tool has its surgical origins as a mechanical extension of the forefinger of the surgeon’s hand. Given that the hand is both the ultimate tool as well as the object of the hand surgeon’s effort, the dissector as tool has natural attraction for me.

The dissector’s versatility finds me bringing it out for many of my cases. Besides the eponymous function of dissecting, I find it useful as retractor, protector of soft tissues, lever, and a gauge. On occasion, I use it as a makeshift bone graft scoop and impactor. In a different age, I am sure it would also have been useful to rap the knuckles of an inattentive or wayward assistant. I consider the instrument a Swiss Army knife in my toolkit.

My favorite dissectors are the ones I have been using since my surgical training days: the simple periosteal dissector and the Watson-Cheyne dissector. The latter was designed for the vascular endarterectomy procedure, but is a standard on our OR’s hand surgery instrument tray. I find the Watson-Cheyne dissector indispensable for my tenolysis and adhesion release cases. It is a testament to the general usefulness of these dissectors that they find a home on the instrument trays of procedures outside their original purpose.