A surgical distractor comprising a base plate (2), an intermediate stage (6) telescopically coupled to the base plate (2) and a distraction plate (4) telescopically coupled to the intermediate stage (6). The intermediate stage (6) is arranged to rotate relative to at least one of the base plate (2) and the distraction plate (4) to cause telescopic movement between the intermediate plate (6) and at least one of the base plate (2) and the distraction plate (4) such that the distraction plate (4) moves towards or away from the base plate (2). Surgical instrument kits incorporating distractors and drive elements and a method of distracting two bones within a joint are also disclosed.