A distractor for use in bone surgery

摘要

Surgical apparatus comprises first and second tissue engaging means 14, 16. The first tissue engaging means is displaceable towards and away from the second tissue engaging means. At least one of the first and second tissue engaging means 15 adapted to be oriented by the tissue engaged thereby. Measuring means such as a vernier scale or electronic means may be connected to the shaft 22 of the first tissue engaging means to measure displacement and similar measuring means may be attached to shaft 34 to measure rotation of the second tissue engaging means. The invention is particularly suitable for knee surgery where it can be important to determine the degree of imbalance between the medical and laterial soft tissue around the knee.