Stevens Tenotomy Scissors, Fine Tissue Dissection Scissors

What are tenotomy scissors used for?

Tenotomy scissors are fine dissecting scissors with slim, tapered blades and blunt or sharp tips, used to separate delicate tissue planes without tearing them. The Stevens pattern is the one most surgeons reach for. It began as a tendon release instrument in ophthalmology and has since become a general workhorse for plastic, hand, paediatric and micro procedures wherever the tissue is too fine for standard operating scissors. Adas Instruments manufactures every pair in Sialkot from German surgical stainless steel and ships worldwide.

Why surgeons choose the Stevens pattern

• Slim blade profile. The blades taper to a narrow point, so they open a tissue plane rather than crush it. This is what separates tenotomy scissors from a small Mayo or a general operating scissor.
• Spreads as well as it cuts. Surgeons push the closed tips through loose areolar tissue, then open the blades to develop the plane. Blunt tips make this safe next to vessels and nerves.
• Controlled ring handles. Balanced ring handles give fingertip control through long cases and reduce hand fatigue.
• Holds an edge. Hardened surgical stainless steel keeps its cutting edge through repeated autoclave cycles. Tungsten carbide inserts are available where cutting volume is high.
• Made, not resold. Every instrument is produced in our own workshop, hand finished and inspected before it leaves.

Clinical applications

Stevens tenotomy scissors are used across several specialties. These are the settings customers order them for most often.

Size chart

Curved blades follow the contour of tissue and let you see the tips while you work. Straight blades give a cleaner cut in a flat field. If you are buying a single pair, most surgeons pick the curved tenotomy scissors. If your tray already has a curved pair, the straight tenotomy scissors is the sensible second.

Technical specifications

Care and sterilisation

Fine tips bend. Most of the damage we see on returned instruments comes from handling rather than cutting.

• Rinse in cool water straight after use so blood does not dry on the blades.
• Clean ultrasonically with a neutral pH detergent. Avoid scrubbing the tips with a brush.
• Open the joint fully during cleaning so debris does not sit in the box joint.
• Lubricate the joint with instrument milk before every autoclave cycle.
• Autoclave at 134 C for 3 minutes. Dry fully before storage.
• Store with tip guards fitted, never loose in a drawer beside heavier instruments.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between tenotomy scissors and iris scissors?

Both are small and fine. Iris scissors have short, straight blades and sharp points made for cutting. Tenotomy scissors have longer, tapered blades and are made for blunt spreading as much as cutting, so they open tissue planes more safely.

Are Stevens tenotomy scissors curved or straight?

We make both. Curved is the more common order because the blades follow tissue contour and stay visible during dissection. Straight is preferred for flat, superficial work.

Can these scissors cut suture?

They will, but it dulls the edge quickly. Keep a separate suture scissor on the tray and reserve this instrument for tissue.

What is the SuperCut edge?

One blade carries a razor honed edge, the other a micro serration. The pair grips tissue instead of pushing it away, which gives a cleaner cut on thin, mobile tissue. It needs sharpening sooner than a standard edge.

Do you supply these for OEM or private label orders?

Yes. We manufacture for distributors and hospital groups and can laser mark your brand, catalogue number and regulatory details. Contact us for volume pricing.

Related instruments

Browse the full plastic surgery scissors range, or the wider plastic surgery instruments catalogue.

• Iris Scissors Sharp, the short bladed cutting scissor that pairs with these on a fine tray.
• Castroviejo Micro Scissors, for work under the microscope where even a tenotomy blade is too large.
• Metzenbaum Scissors Razor Edge, the same blunt dissection principle in a longer instrument for deeper planes.

Related instruments and categories

Iris Scissors Razor Edge, Micro Dissection, 9 cm to 11.5 cm, Standard or is listed alongside it and links back here, so the two can be ordered together.