COMPRESSOR-DISTRACTOR

A tool is disclosed for use in distracting and compressing fractures of any of a variety of bones. In particular, the tool has a pair of engaging arms, one arm having a hook element to engage a bone plate connected to one side of a fracture, and the other arm having at least one recess for engaging a head of a bone screw or guide wire connected to the other side of the fracture. Actuation of the tool causes the opposing bone segments of the fracture to be pushed apart or drawn together, depending on whether the tool handles are squeezed together or pulled apart. The tool may have a scissors joint that allows the ends of the tool to maintain a parallel alignment during operation, thus reducing the chances for misalignment of the bone segments during operation.