Abstract: The invention refers to a device 1 for supporting a spinal column in the region of the transverse or spinous processions of two adjacent vertebrae and/or for spreading two adjacent ribs, comprising at least a first body 2 and a second body 3, each body having a receptacle 4 for a transverse or spinous process of a vertebra or for a rib; and a rotational joint 12 between the first body 2 and the second body 3, such that the first body 2 and the second body 3 are rotatable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation X, wherein the distance between the receptacles of the first body 2 and the second body 3 can be adjusted by means of the rotational movement of the first body 2 relative to the second body 3, which is characterized in that the receptacles 4 of the first body 2 and the second body 3 are designed such that the transverse or spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae or adjacent ribs can be received therein at least in a rotational angle of 0° to 180°, preferably 0° to 270°, of the first body

Abstract: A retractor system 100 comprises a first tower 102 which is mountable on a first surgical screw 12.1. A second tower 104 is mountable on a second surgical screw 12.2. A link 106 extends between the first and second towers. At least a first elongate retractor element 108 for at least one of muscle, tissue and nerve structures is movably mountable on the link.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device 1 for supporting a spinal column in the region of the transverse or spinous processions of two adjacent vertebrae and/or for spreading two adjacent ribs, comprising at least a first body 2 and a second body 3, each body having a receptacle 4 for a transverse or spinous process of a vertebra or for a rib; and a rotational joint 12 between the first body 2 and the second body 3, such that the first body 2 and the second body 3 are rotatable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation X, wherein the distance between the receptacles of the first body 2 and the second body 3 can be adjusted by means of the rotational movement of the first body 2 relative to the second body 3, which is characterized in that the receptacles 4 of the first body 2 and the second body 3 are designed such that the transverse or spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae or adjacent ribs can be received therein at least in a rotational angle of 0° to 180°, preferably 0° to 270°, of the first body

Abstract: A retractor system 100 comprises a first tower 102 which is mountable on a first surgical screw 12.1. A second tower 104 is mountable on a second surgical screw 12.2. A link 106 extends between the first and second towers. At least a first elongate retractor element 108 for at least one of muscle, tissue and nerve structures is movably mountable on the link.