NEWS

Hope for your Joints: Distraction Arthroplasty as an Emerging Treatment

For many suffering from chronic joint pain, total joint replacement feels like the only option. But what if there was a way to preserve
your natural joint and get back to your life? Distraction arthroplasty is a promising new approach that’s changing the game for joint health.

Not Your Typical Arthroplasty

Unlike traditional joint replacement, distraction arthroplasty focuses on regeneration. Surgeons create a small gap in the joint
using a specialized fixator. This gap stimulates the body’s natural healing processes to grow new cartilage, repairing the damage from within.

Benefits of Distraction Arthroplasty

Preserves Your Natural Joint: Unlike a full replacement, distraction arthroplasty allows you to keep your own cartilage. This can lead to a more natural feeling joint and potentially better range of motion.

Reduced Pain and Improved Function: The goal is to alleviate pain and restore joint function, allowing you to return to the activities you love.

Potentially Longer Lifespan: Early research suggests distraction arthroplasty may be a more durable solution than traditional replacements, especially for younger patients.

Who is a Candidate?

Distraction arthroplasty isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It may be suitable for individuals with:

• Early to moderate joint degeneration

• Arthritis

• Joint deformities

A Comprehensive Approach

Distraction arthroplasty is just one piece of the puzzle. Treatment often involves:

Physical Therapy: Pre and post-operative therapy is crucial for strengthening the joint and surrounding muscles, optimizing recovery and long-term function.

Pain Management: Effective pain management strategies are essential throughout the treatment process.

The Future of Joint Repair

Distraction arthroplasty is a rapidly evolving field. While long-term data is still emerging, it offers a glimpse of a future where we can repair, not just replace, our joints. If you’re struggling with joint pain, talk to Dr Slater about whether distraction arthroplasty could be right for you.

For more information about distraction arthroplasty, look at this article by Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/documents/mc2024-1012-pdf/doc-20078938

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Dr. Gordon Slater

Dr. Slater is one of the first foot and ankle surgeons in Australia to adopt minimally invasive surgical techniques. He routinely uses MIS to treat a range of conditions, including bunions.

Double Bay & Albury

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Dr Gordon Slater is a highly-skilled surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions and sports injuries. Dr Slater is one of the first foot and ankle surgeons in Australia to adopt minimally invasive surgical techniques. He routinely uses MIS to treat a range of conditions, including bunions. MIS has many advantages including shorter operating times, reduced post-operative pain, reduced risk of infection, minimal scarring and better cosmetic outcomes.