My research focuses on distraction therapy, a relatively new and innovative treatment option for joint osteoarthritis (OA) in relatively young patients (<65 years). Currently, our work centers on distraction therapy for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal (CMC1 OA) joint. The five-year post-treatment results are analyzed and very promising, demonstrating potential for long-term benefits. The goal of distraction therapy is to reduce pain while preserving joint anatomy and postponing more invasive surgical interventions. Future research aims to better understand the durability of these benefits. At this moment, distraction therapy is offered exclusively within the context of research studies. Our goal is to position distraction therapy as an equal treatment option for CMC1 OA and other joints in the future.

Involved with

Studies

Principal investigator
Prof. A.B. Mink van der Molen
Coordinating researcher
Janna Ottenhoff, MD PhD
PhD student
Ceciel Houtsma, MD