JOINT DISTRACTER

1 . A joint distractor, comprising:

a stationary portion configured to fix a first body portion on a first side of a body joint; and

an extendable portion configured to be urged against a second body portion on a second side of said body joint; and

wherein extension of said extendable portion urges said extendable portion onto said second body portion away from said first body portion thereby forming a gap between articulating surfaces of said first and second body portions within said joint.

2 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein the joint distractor is composed of materials compatible with at least an MRI scanner.

3 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein said joint distractor is configured to effect rotational distraction force on said second body portion in relation to said first body portion coupled by the joint to be distracted.

4 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said extendable portion is angled/tilted so that to effect rotational distraction force on said second body portion in relation to said first body portion coupled by the joint to be distracted.

5 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein the joint distractor is fitted for use on MRI and/or CT beds.

6 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein the joint distractor is self-contained.

7 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein the joint distractor is non-attachable to an orthopedic table.

8 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein the joint distractor is portable.

9 . The joint distractor according to claim I, wherein the joint distractor is configured to be used during surgery.

10 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein said extendable portion comprising an extension mechanism comprising at least one of: a telescopic extension mechanism, a scissors extension mechanism, and a crank extension mechanism.

11 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein said extendable portion adjusts automatically.

12 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , comprising at least one of: a strain gauge, a linear encoder, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, and an optical sensor.

13 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein said stationary portion comprises a support member configured to maintain a limb stationary during said extension.

14 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , wherein said stationary portion comprises a retainer configured to maintain a limb stationary in relation to said stationary potion.

15 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , comprising at least one balloon coupled to said extendable portion and configured to expand away from said extendable portion.

16 . The joint distractor according to claim 1 , comprising a pedal coupled to said extendable portion such that applying pressure to said pedal adjusts a distance between a pushing end of said extendable portion and said stationary portion.

17 . A method for separation of the pelvic girdle from the acetabulofemoral joint, comprising:

immobilizing a leg; and

applying positive pressure at least to the left or right groin proximal to said leg.

18 . A system for automatic joint distraction, comprising:

a joint distractor comprising:

a stationary portion configured to fix a first body portion on a first side of a body joint; and

an extendable portion configured to be urged against a second body portion on a second side of said body joint; and

wherein extension of said extendable portion urges said extendable portion onto said second body portion away from said first body portion thereby forming a gap between articulating surfaces of said first and second body portions within said joint;

at least one sensor; and

a computer configured to adjust a distance between a pushing end of said extendable portion and said stationary portion.

19 . The system according to claim 18 , wherein said sensor is at least one of: a strain gauge, a linear encoder, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, and an optical sensor.

20 . The system according to claim 18 , wherein said extendable portion comprises an extension mechanism and said extension mechanism is controllable via said computer.