Editing Forceps (section)

== Thumb forceps ==
{{see also|Tweezers}}
[[File:Forceps.jpg|thumb|Blunt-nosed thumb forceps with serrated tips for increased grip.]]
[[Image:Adson forceps.svg|thumb|Adson tissue forceps. Note the 1×2 "teeth" on the lower tip.]]
[[File:Debakey forceps.jpg|thumb|Debakey forceps, an "atraumatic" forceps used extensively in [[cardiothoracic surgery|cardiothoracic]], [[vascular surgery|vascular]] and [[head and neck surgery]].]]
Thumb forceps, known simply as ''forceps'' in [[surgical specialties]], are commonly held in a pen grip between the [[thumb]] and [[index finger]] (sometimes also the [[middle finger]]), with the top end resting on the first [[dorsal interossei of the hand|dorsal interosseous muscle]] at the webspace between the thumb and index finger. Spring tension at the top end holds the grasping ends apart until pressure is applied. This provides an extended [[pinch (action)|pinch]] and allows the user to easily grasp, manipulate and quickly release small objects or delicate tissue with readily variable pressure. Thumb forceps are used to hold tissue still when applying sutures, to gently move tissues out of the way during exploratory surgery and to access confined cavities that are hard to reach with hands and fingers.

Thumb forceps can have smooth tips, cross-hatched tips or serrated tips (often called "mouse's teeth"). Common arrangements of teeth are 1×2 (two teeth on one side meshing with a single tooth on the other), 7×7 and 9×9. Serrated forceps are used on tissue; counter-intuitively, teeth will damage tissue less than a smooth surface because one can grasp with less overall pressure. Smooth or cross-hatched forceps are used to move dressings, remove sutures and similar tasks.