The surgical implements (10) with suction and irrigation passages (28a, 28b) each include separate suction and irrigation passages disposed internally and formed integrally within the shank (12) or shaft of the implement. The implement may be a periosteal elevator (10) having a relatively wide and thin tip (18). The two passages (28a, 28b) extend from the handle (14) end to a common plenum (26) within the tip portion (18), with a series of common passages (30) extending from the plenum (26) to the distal edge (20) of the tip (18). Alternatively, the implement might be a nerve root retractor (110) having a relatively narrow tip (118) with suction and irrigation passages (128a, 128b) extending from the handle (114) end through the shank (112) of the device, the passages (128a, 128b) remaining separated from one another. The shank (12, 112) of the surgical implements may be straight or may have a bend ranging from 0° to 90°.
