Abstract: A surgical retractor system comprising the operative combination of a retractor blade for retracting tissue and an anchoring pin interconnectable therewith. The anchoring pin is preferably formed as an elongate structure having an anchoring mechanism formed at the distal-most end thereof that is designed to become securely anchored within bone or soft tissue. The anchoring pin is positioned through a grommet formed upon the retractor blade such that the anchoring pin remains firmly in position while the retractor blade retracts surrounding tissue. To facilitate handling of the system, a handle mechanism is detachably fastenable to the retractor blade. Multiple retractor devices can be utilized to facilitate tissue distraction, and further may be selectively positioned to retract tissue in a cranial-caudal orientation for use in anterior cervical spine surgery.