Patent ID: 8252001

Claim:
A distractor and measuring device, comprising: a first handle operatively connected to a first paddle and a second handle operatively connected to a second paddle, the first and second handles being pivotally connected to one another such that movement of the handles relative to one another causes the paddles to move relative to each other; at least one transducer positioned on at least one of the first and second handles for measuring an amount of force applied during distraction; a measurement rod pivotally connected to the device and movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the first and second paddles; a potentiometer operatively connected to the measurement rod to measure the angular orientation of the measurement rod; and a yoke mechanism pivotally connecting the first handle to the second handle, the yoke mechanism having an opening through which the measurement rod passes to permit movement of the measurement rod in the longitudinal direction, and the yoke mechanism being able to turn at least partially relative to the first and second handles so that the measurement rod may be pivoted to adjust the angular orientation of the measurement rod.