Fourteen Years of Beneficial Effects Following a Three Months 5 mm Distraction of an Osteoarthritic Ankle Joint Due to Trauma in a 45 Year Old Man

Painful ankle arthritisAnkle arthritis is traditionally treated by joint arthrodesis or joint arthroplasty. Ankle joint distraction, or arthrodiastasis, is an alternative option of treatment. The treatment is based on the assumption that osteoarthritic ankle cartilage is capable of repair. The reparative capacity of the ankle chondrocyte is enhanced through the mechanical off-loading of the joint and maintenance of intra-articular fluid pressure changes. Scientific data demonstrate positive biochemical and biomechanical intra-articular changes associated with joint distraction, facilitating an environment for cartilage repair. Clinical studies, although limited, have resulted in significant patient benefit in the short-term and long-term treatment of arthritis. Here we report a case with good results for 14 years following an ankle joint distraction treatment for severe ankle osteoarthritis in a 45 year old man.