Osteoarthritis of the hands and wrist

Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone. Joint distraction (separation of the joint) mechanically “off-loads” the affected joint. This returns the joint towards its normal biomechanical state, which reduces the forces experienced by the joint tissues.

This allows for regeneration of the joint tissues and relief of the patient’s symptoms.

Treating hand arthritis and fractures

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a non-surgical distraction orthosis that has a moulded component that sits at the base of the digit. Distraction arms, one for each side of the digit, extend from the base via a hinge.

The distraction arms are secured to the fingertip, using the nail plate as an anchor. This allows adjustment of distraction on each side of the digit as well as movement at the finger joint. A sensor is being developed to allow feedback on the force of distraction applied.

The benefits of distraction orthosis over other treatments are as follows:

• Disease-modifying treatment rather than symptomatic relief alone
• Avoidance of surgery and the associated harms
• Patient managed treatment
• The design allows the continued use of the hand
• Reduced healthcare costs

In addition to treating osteoarthritis, mechanical offloading of joints and bones can be used to treat joint injuries and fractures through the principle ligamentotaxis.