Surgical tool

A surgical tool for distraction and compression operation, the tool comprising:

• a first handle having a proximal and distal ends;
• a second handle having proximal and distal ends, the first handle being pivotally coupled to the second handle for relative opening and closing movement;
• a pawl disposed on the second handle;
• and
• an elongated ratchet member arranged across the handles and pivotally coupled to the first handle, the ratchet member being rotatable with respect to the handles, the ratchet member having a first tooth rack comprising a plurality of teeth angled in a first direction and a second gear rack comprising a plurality of teeth angled in a second direction opposite the first direction;
• wherein the first and second tooth racks are selectively and alternatingly engageable with the pawl by rotating the ratchet member.

A method for operating a surgical tool comprising:

• providing a surgical tool comprising a pair of handles pivotally coupled together and a toothed ratchet member arranged between the handles, the ratchet member being configured to engage a pawl disposed on one handle and having a first end pivotally coupled to one of the handles, the surgical tool including a pair of distal ends each configured for engaging a fixation element securable to a bone segment, wherein moving the handles together moves the distal ends apart and moving the handles apart moves the distal ends together;
• engaging a first tooth rack disposed on a first side of the ratchet member with the pawl;
• rotating the ratchet member;
• and
• engaging a second tooth rack disposed on a second side of the ratchet member with the pawl.