Pilot Study on the Clinical Applicability of Non-invasive Joint Distraction using the JD Device for Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Observational Study

Wolfgang Zinser*, Tom Zinser, Erwin Sturmair and Frank Diemer

Background: Knee and hip osteoarthritis are among the most common degenerative joint diseases and are associated with significant limitations in quality of life. Mechanical joint distraction is considered a promising approach to pain relief and joint function improvement. The aim of this retrospective observational study, designed as a pilot study to serve as a starting point for subsequent controlled studies, was to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive home therapy device for joint distraction (JD device) in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Methods: 39 users of the JD device (average age: 62.7 years) took part in an anonymous online survey. Pain levels before and after use were recorded using a numerical rating scale (NRS), along with subjective perceptions of effectiveness and information on duration of use. In addition, user-related experience data was collected using closed questions and evaluated as percentage distributions. The Wilcoxon test, effect size calculation, and Spearman correlation were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The average pain intensity (total knee and hip osteoarthritis) decreased significantly from 6.82 to 3.28 (p < .001, r = 0.75), which corresponds to an average pain reduction of 3.54 points through the use of the JD device. 71.8% of participants achieved a pain reduction of at least 30%. A positive correlation between duration of use and pain improvement was demonstrated (ρ = 0.53; p = .003). 81.3% of respondents used the JD device daily at home. 82% reported that therapy with the JD device had reduced their symptoms. With regard to surgical procedures, 47.8% of those who had already been recommended artificial joint replacement stated that they were able to avoid or postpone it by using the device. For another 43.5%, this was still unclear at the time of the survey. 8.7% were unable to avoid surgery despite using the device. In addition, 92.3% of participants would recommend the JD device they used to others.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggest that regular self-administered home therapy with a non-invasive JD device may be an effective option for pain relief in knee and hip osteoarthritis, potentially delaying or avoiding upcoming surgery. A planned clinical RCT study will verify this statement in the future.

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Published on: Oct 7, 2025 Pages: 6-12

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-5487.000108
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