Integrated retractor-distractor system for use with modular bone screws

A retractor-distractor system comprising:

• a frame comprising:
• a superior arm slidably coupled to and extending from the frame, the superior arm further comprising:
• a superior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the superior arm;
• a superior ball joint received between the superior clamp arm and the superior arm;
• and
• a superior ball joint lock operable to pivot the superior clamp arm proximate to the superior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the superior ball joint;
• wherein the superior arm, the superior clamp arm, and the superior ball joint each comprise an opening within their respective inferior sides, the openings operable to receive a modular blade operable to retract and distract tissue;
• an inferior arm slidably coupled to and extending from the frame, the inferior arm further comprising:
• an inferior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the inferior arm;
• an inferior ball joint received between the inferior clamp arm and the inferior arm;
• an inferior ball joint lock operable to pivot the inferior clamp arm proximate to the inferior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the inferior ball joint;
• wherein the inferior arm, the inferior clamp arm, and the inferior ball joint each comprise an opening within their respective superior sides, the openings operable to receive a modular blade operable to retract and distract tissue;
• wherein the frame is operable to slide the superior arm and the inferior arm in both superior and inferior directions relative to the frame.