A surgical distraction apparatus is disclosed. The surgical distraction apparatus includes a tissue distraction device adapted for implantation, the tissue distraction device including a plurality of distraction members, one or more actuators adapted for implantation and operatively coupled to the tissue distraction device, the one or more actuators being configured to drive the tissue distraction device and adjust the alignment of the plurality of distraction members, and an activator adapted to deliver one or more pulses to at least one actuator in the one or more actuators.