TLIF distraction and retraction

A method for performing pedicle-based surgical distraction, said method comprising:

• providing pedicle-based distractor and retractor system including:
• a base configured to be attached to a surgical arm, the base supporting a distraction rack, the distraction rack supporting a pair of side arms and a central arm, each arm comprising a distal end and a proximal end coupled to and moveable along the distraction rack, a connector at the distal end of each side arm, and a pair of distractor elements each engaged with one of the connectors, wherein each distractor element attaches to a pedicle screw and includes a headless post, a pre-assembled post, or a minimally invasive tower, and wherein the distractor elements are modular such that different types of distractor elements are interchangeable with the connectors;
• and
• a medial retraction blade assembly coupled to the central arm, wherein the medial retraction blade assembly includes a medial blade body, a click-in blade connector, a first translating component, and a second translating component, wherein the click-in blade connector is coupled to a proximal end of the medial blade body and engages the central arm, wherein the click-in blade connector includes an axial opening, a star grind, and a spring-loaded button, wherein the medial blade body includes a shaft receivable in the axial opening of the click-in blade connector and a star grind corresponding to the star grind of the click-in blade connector, and wherein when locked, the star grinds intermesh and the button engages the shaft of the medial blade body;
• attaching each distraction element to a pedicle screw;
• and
• engaging soft tissue with the first translating component and the second translating component, wherein each of the first translating component and the second translating component comprise a dovetail feature that engages a corresponding dovetail feature on the medial blade body, and wherein the first and second translating components each independently translate from a first retracted position to a second extended position and are retained in a desired position by fastening a screw through a distal end of the medial blade body.