No beneficial effects of joint distraction on early microscopical changes in osteoarthrotic knees

Background Although promising results have been reported, on the use of joint distraction in osteoarthrotic joints, the mechanism behind the effects has not yet been expland.

Material and methods 24 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups and osteoarthrosis was induced by papain injection. The first group served as control and the others were treated by simple external fixation (group 2), articulated distraction (group 3) or nonarticulated distraction (group 4).

Results Histologically, there was no significant difference between the first, the second and the third groups. However, osteoarthrosis increased in group 4.

Interpretation We conclude that joint distraction has no beneficial effect on the osteoarthrotic cartilage in papain-induced osteoarthrosis, and nonarticulated distraction worsens the results.