Distraction Arthroplasty: Restoring Your Joints, Naturally

For those suffering from chronic joint pain and stiffness, traditional joint replacement surgery might seem like the only option. But what if you could heal your own joint, naturally? Distraction arthroplasty, a growing technique in orthopaedic surgery, offers an exciting alternative.

What is Distraction Arthroplasty?

Unlike joint replacement, distraction arthroplasty focuses on restoring your own joint, not replacing it. Here’s the basic idea:

1. Surgeons create a small gap between your damaged joint surfaces.
2. An external fixator, a metal frame worn outside your leg, gradually widens this gap over time.
3. This controlled distraction stimulates your body’s natural healing processes to regenerate cartilage, improve lubrication, and reduce inflammation.

Who is a Candidate for Distraction Arthroplasty?

This procedure is particularly beneficial for:

• Younger, active individuals who want to delay or avoid traditional joint replacement.
• Patients with conditions like osteoarthritis, joint deformities, and post-traumatic joint stiffness.

Benefits of Distraction Arthroplasty

• Preserves your natural joint anatomy: Unlike replacements, distraction arthroplasty allows your body to heal itself.
• Improves joint function and mobility: By promoting cartilage growth and reducing stiffness, you can regain pain-free movement.
• Minimally invasive: Compared to traditional joint replacement, distraction arthroplasty often requires a smaller incision and less disruption to surrounding tissues.

Things to Consider

• Recovery time: While minimally invasive, distraction arthroplasty does involve wearing an external fixator for several weeks, impacting your daily activities.
• Not a one-size-fits-all solution: This procedure may not be suitable for everyone, and consulting with an orthopaedic surgeon is crucial.

Distraction arthroplasty offers a promising option for those seeking to restore joint health and function. If you’re struggling with chronic joint pain, discuss this procedure with Dr Slater to see if it might be the right path for you.