Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive distraction of the ankle joint to accommodate arthroscopic procedures provides the ability to apply a wide range of distraction forces to the ankle joint, to hold the ankle in positions above the table in leg positions ranging from nearly horizontal to acutely flexed, and to even position the ankle below the level of the operating table to accommodate special needs and/or positions. A distractor with an axially adjustable length is attached at one end to the foot of the patient and at the other end to one end of a rotatable lever arm, the opposite end of which lever arm is rotatably attached to the operating table with an adjustable clamp. With the knee of the patient supported in a conventional leg holder, the distractor is initially secured in a position extending axially away from the end of the leg by rotating the lever arm in a direction to place the distractor and ankle joint in a position of initial distraction.

Abstract: A system and related method for ankle arthroscopy distraction includes both non-invasive external and invasive skeletal distractors which may be individually applied in a serial manner to provide ever increasing distraction forces as may be dictated by the required arthroscopic procedure. The angle of the distracted ankle may be selectively varied at anytime during any of the non-invasive or invasive distraction techniques without the need to halt the procedure, thereby obviating the need to reprep or to reposition or redrape the patient. The non-invasive distractor is of relatively simple and compact construction and is easily repositionable with changes in the angle of the ankle to allow ready and complete access for all surgical procedures.