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Retraction

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Retraction and its synonym retrusion have several medical uses:

  • general anatomical movement posteriorly e.g. retraction of the shoulders when standing with arms held behind the back; the opposite to protraction or protrusion
  • the drawing back of cut skin, muscle or other tissue surgically to obtain better exposure
  • the failure of uterine muscle fibre relaxation after successive contractions aiding in the passage of fetus down the birth canal
  • the gradual movement of teeth into a more orthodox position with dental appliances

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