An assembly for retracting soft tissue in a surgical incision, the assembly comprising； a supporting member having first and second ends； a refractor blade having a first distal end and a second proximal end retained at the first end of the support member； a retaining arm which co operates with the support member and receives and supports a clamping assembly； an adjusting assembly which engages the support member and allows the clamping assembly to advance and retract relative to the retractor blade.
