Distraction Arthroplasty

Distraction arthroplasty of the ankle joint is a viable alternative treatment to joint-sacrificing procedures such as ankle arthrodesis or ankle replacement. Based on the theory that removal of the mechanical stress while maintaining fluid pressure creates an environment that promotes cartilage healing, distraction arthroplasty has provided good to excellent results in the literature to date. Although results are promising, more research is needed to further establish the procedure's biomechanical and biochemical effects on articular cartilage and its efficacy and appropriate patient population.