a surgical retractor for adjustable mounting on a supported holder includes an elongated stem of cylindrical cross - sectional configuration and blade means attached to one end of the stem , the stem being optionally provided with a plurality of spaced circumferential first means for selective engagement by adjustable complemental second means for restraining longitudinal movement of the stem in one direction , and optionally including an inner section hingedly connected to an outer section , providing a handle for pulling or rotating the retractor . a holder for a surgical retractor and frame support for the holder assume a nonrotating relation where the frame support has a section of substantially cylindrical cross - sectional configuration and has a longitudinally extending indentation , a portion of the frame support is encompassed by a section of the holder , and the holder section has protruding means for engaging the indentation of the frame support section .