User-friendliness of a dedicated orthopedic device for knee joint distraction: Experiences from clinical practice

Introduction: Knee joint distraction (KJD) is a surgical technique for treatment of severe knee osteoarthritis at a relatively young age. In the absence of devices intended for KJD, this procedure has only been performed with devices with another intended use. In collaboration with patients, clinicians and medical device experts, a dedicated distraction (DD) device intended for KJD was developed. Objectives: To compare user-friendliness between the new DD device and a previously used concept distraction (CD) device. Methods: Patients were treated with either of the devices (n = 22 versus n = 22). The intervention duration and treatment complications were registered. After treatment, patients filled out a questionnaire about user-friendliness of the device during treatment, containing questions on difficulties performing activities regarding clothing, sleeping, pin care, daily activities, mobility, and complications. Results were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Intervention duration was on average 56 versus 44 minutes (P < .001) for CD and DD device, respectively. Pin tract infections were the most prevalent complication (73% of CD patients vs 55% of DD patients; P = .210). 34 patients filled out the questionnaire (16 CD device vs 18 DD device). User-friendliness was better for the DD device for 6/25 questions (all P < .05) and not different between devices for remaining questions (all P > .1). Conclusions: The DD device intended for KJD reduces surgery time and improves user-friendliness compared to the CD device. As such, the DD device contributes to implementation of KJD treatment in regular care.