A New Articulated Distraction Arthroplasty Device for Treatment of the Osteoarthritic Knee Joint: A Preliminary Report

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of a new distraction arthroplasty device when used in conjunction with a bone marrow-stimulating technique for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: We developed a new distraction arthroplasty device that allows continuous joint movement. We compared preoperative and postoperative findings for 6 knees (6 patients; age range, 42 to 58 years). The fixation period for the distraction device ranged from 7 to 13 weeks, and the follow-up period ranged from 1 to 3.5 years. RESULTS: The Japanese Orthopaedic Association knee score, range of motion, and joint space values were significantly improved in all cases at the latest follow-up (P < .05). Scores on a visual analog pain scale were also significantly improved (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that treatment using this new arthroplasty device in combination with a bone marrow-stimulating method was effective for osteoarthritic knees in middle-aged patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.