A distractor, such as a pediatric mandibular distractor, includes a housing member elongated along a longitudinal axis. At least one distal footplate is attached to the housing member. A drive rod and at least one proximal footplate configured to be driven by the drive rod are provided. A housing engaging member is configured to engage a drive rod engaging member to prevent the housing from being rotated in either a first or second direction of rotation relative to the drive rod when a rotational force less than a predetermined force is applied to the housing or drive rod. The drive rod can be rotated relative to the housing in either the first or second rotational direction when a force greater than the predetermined force is applied to the drive rod or the housing.