Knee Articulated Distraction Arthroplasty for the Middle-aged Osteoarthritic Knee Joint

Abstract

Objective We developed a knee distraction arthroplasty device that allows continuous joint movement. The objective of this article is to show the surgical procedure of knee distraction arthroplasty with a bone marrow-stimulating technique, for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and to evaluate the clinical results. Methods As we showed in Arthroscopy in 2007, we performed this distraction arthroplasty to 6 knees (in 6 patients, aged 42 to 63 y). Then we compared preoperative findings with postoperative ones. The fixation period for the distraction device ranged from 7 to 12 weeks and the follow-up period ranged from 24 months to 53 months (average 36 mo). Results The Japan Orthopaedic Association knee score, range of motion, and the values of the joint spaces were significantly improved in all cases at the latest follow-up (P Conclusions We conclude that treatment using this arthroplasty device in combination with a bone marrow stimulating method is effective for osteoarthritic knees in middle-aged patients.