Patent ID: 8394109

Claim:
A distraction/compression tool for use with a screw extender system having at least two hollow screw extender housings configured to be coupled to respective screw assemblies implanted into vertebrae, the tool comprising: a first screw extender holding portion with a first top; a second screw extender holding portion with a second top pivotally coupled to the first top of the first screw extender holding portion with a rod to allow pivoting of the holding portions about the rod; each screw extender holding portion includes a base configured to hold a screw extender housing; and a multi-directional threading mechanism configured to secure the bases of the screw extender holding portions; wherein rotation of the threading mechanism in one direction causes distraction of the screw extender housings coupled to the bases and rotation of the threading mechanism in another direction causes compression of the screw extender housings.