At least one embodiment is directed to a dynamic distractor (1 00) for distracting bones of a muscular-skeletal system. The dynamic distractor (100) includes at least one sensor (108, 110) which can provide loading, loading differential and position information as well as other measured parameters, a handle (112, 804), a lift mechanism (302), and one or more alignment aid (502, 802). The position and measurement sensors (108, 110) communicate with the processing unit (406) to display, process, and store measured data. A rod (604) couples a cutting block (602) to the distractor (100). The rod (604) also fixes a position of a cutting block (602) in relation to the distractor (100). The cutting block (602) is coupled to the distractor (100) to stabilize and align the muscular-skeletal system while shaping a bone.
