An assembly (1) for retracting soft tissue in a surgical incision, the assembly (1) comprising a supporting member (5) having first and second ends a retractor blade (2) having a first distal end (3) and a second proximal end (4) retained at the first end of the support member (5) 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 (5) and allows the clamping assembly to advance and retract relative to the retractor blade (2).
