Spinal paravertebral muscle and spinal dura retractor system

A muscle and spinal dura retraction system comprising:

• a first retraction assembly comprising:
• a first retraction blade configured to translate in a first direction to retract a first side of an incision in paravertebral muscle of a person or animal;
• and
• a first hook coupled to the first retraction blade configured to receive a first suture coupled to spinal dura of the person or animal;
• and
• a second retraction assembly comprising:
• a second retraction blade configured to translate in a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction, to retract a second side of the incision in the paravertebral muscle;
• and
• a second hook coupled to the second retraction blade configured to receive a suture coupled to spinal dura of the person or animal.

A method of preparing a spinal cord for surgery, the method comprising:

• creating an incision in paravertebral muscle of a person or animal;
• mounting a muscle and spinal dura retractor system above the incision in the paravertebral muscle, the system including:
• a frame including a spanning portion and a plurality of extension portions, each of the plurality of extension portions extending away from an end of the spanning portion;
• and
• a plurality of retraction assemblies, each of the plurality of retraction assemblies coupled to a respective extension portion and comprising a retraction blade coupled to a crank assembly, wherein mounting the system comprises inserting the retraction blades into the incision in the paravertebral muscle;
• and
• turning the crank assemblies to retract the retraction blades and hold the incision in the paravertebral muscle open.