An apparatus for use in orthopedic distraction or compression is disclosed. In the illustrated embodiments, two arms are provided that are connected by a rod or bar with a mechanism that enables the arms to be brought toward or away from each other. At the end of each arm, an assembly for connecting to a bone implant is provided. The assemblies are pivotable with respect to the arms, and allow some rotational motion between parts of the assembly so as to accommodate different positions of the bone implants. Once the assemblies are appropriately positioned, connected and locked to the bone implants, the mechanism can be operated to move the arms together in compression or apart in distraction.