Devices and systems for surgical retraction

A method of retracting and distracting a disc space between first and second vertebrae, the method comprising:

• providing a retractor blade assembly comprising:
• a retractor blade having a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue;
• a screw having a head portion removably connectable to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage bone;
• and
• a shim having an extension portion and a connection portion, wherein the extension portion is configured to engage the retractor blade and the connection portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the screw, wherein the connection portion is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position for retaining the screw within the shim,
• wherein the connection portion includes an outer spherical portion and an inner spherical portion, a top portion of the inner spherical portion extends through an opening in the outer spherical portion, and the top portion is configured to be engaged by a driver in order to rotate the inner spherical portion from the unlocked position to the locked position
• attaching the screw to the shim by side loading the screw into the shim and locking the screw to the shim;
• attaching the screw to a pedicle of the first vertebra;
• sliding the retractor blade having a proximal portion and a distal portion down the driver and onto the shim such that the distal portion of the first retractor blade connects to the shim;
• removing the driver;
• and
• connecting a retractor body to the proximal portion of the retractor blade.