Howard Periosteal Raspatory

The Howard Periosteal Raspatory (Article# LS1-360) is a double-ended mucoperiosteal elevator with two wide sturdy blades — both measuring 7.5 mm in width — one carrying a triangular cutting profile and the other a rounded flat profile. The round ringed knurled handle is machined from surgical-grade stainless steel, measuring 165 mm (6.5 inches) overall, providing a firm stable grip during the pushing strokes used throughout subperiosteal reflection sequences.

The triangular cutting blade on the Periosteal Elevator Howard enters the vertical incision component to verify bone contact and initiate subperiosteal separation, while the rounded blade performs broad sweeping elevation away from the underlying bone. The 7.5 mm blade width on both ends covers more bone surface per stroke than narrow-blade elevators, making it the instrument of choice when considerable portions of mucoperiosteal tissue must be reflected rapidly. Both blades tolerate repeated autoclave sterilization at 134°C without blade profile distortion.

Oral surgeons and periodontists use the Howard Periosteal Raspatory during impacted third molar surgery, osseous resective procedures, and implant site preparation requiring significant mucoperiosteal reflection. The Howard Periosteal Raspatory or Elevator is particularly effective for retracting the flap on both buccal and lingual aspects of posterior molar sites simultaneously. The rounded end maintains broad flap contact during retraction without concentrating tissue tension at a single blade point.

Leader Surgical builds instruments that work the same on day one as they do after two years of daily sterilization — and this raspatory is a straightforward example of that manufacturing standard in practice.

What is the primary purpose of the Howard Elevator?
The primary function is to elevate and retract the mucoperiosteum (the thin tissue layer covering the bone) to expose the underlying bone structure during oral and dental surgeries. This is essential for procedures like extractions, bone grafting, and dental implant placement.