Abstract: An improved hypodermic syringe includes a needle retraction feature permitting the needle to be fully retracted into the cylindrical cavity of the syringe barrel following the injection of medicine into a patient. The needle is held on the distal end of the barrel by means of an attachment hub, which includes an internal abutment surface to prevent outward movement of the needle. Inward movement of the needle is prevented by an expandable restriction of a distal barrel opening, extending between the cylindrical cavity and the distal end of the barrel. The needle is part of a subassembly including a flange held between this internal abutment surface and this expandable restriction. The distal end of the plunger is fitted with a needle extractor, which moves into the distal barrel opening as the plunger is pushed fully into the cylindrical cavity.