Women's hands checking arthritis

The Joint Jack Company

Our Origins

The Joint Jack company originated over 50 years ago out of a need to develop hand surgery and therapy products dedicated to improving hand function and patient outcomes.

Dr. H. Kirk Watson with fellows, David Ritland, MD, developed the Joint Jack. Patient extension of the middle joint was profoundly improved and this innovative new splint was a rousing success.

Developing Hand Function Solutions

Dr. Watson and Dr. Ritland went on to develop the Joint Spring for proximal joint contractures, the Joint Cinch for achieving flexion of the middle joint, and the Hand Wrap for preventing edema and ensuring post surgery tissue health. Our founders recognized that good outcomes from hand surgery begin at the time of surgery.

Dr. Watson worked in collaboration with Lois Carlson, OTR/L, CHT to develop the Dystrophile for the treatment of RSD/CRPS. This innovative device used with the ‘scrub and carry’ protocol produces a positive response to the soft tissues, allows for increased loads, and gives positive biofeedback to the patient.

Continuing 50 Years of Service

Today Joint Jack is as committed as ever to the innovative development of products for use in Hand Surgery and Hand Therapy. We continue to build on our 50 years of innovation and experience to provide therapists, surgeons and patients with specialty solutions for the hand and upper extremities.

View the Joint Jack Family of Products

Joint Jacks Owners- Dan Mastella MD and H. Kirk Watson MD

Dr. H. Kirk Watson, the founder of Joint Jack, was among the first orthopedic surgeons in New England to sub-specialize in Hand Surgery. Dr. Watson is a world renowned hand surgeon and
full Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Connecticut and continues as an emeritus member of the University of Connecticut Hand Surgery Fellowship Faculty.

Dr. Daniel Mastella trained under Dr. Watson during residency and then went on to expand his knowledge of Hand Surgery at the Philadelphia Hand Center. He later returned to practice alongside Dr. Watson and Dr. Duffield Ashmead at The Hand Center in Hartford and Glastonbury Connecticut. Dr. Mastella works with the Joint Jack team on product development and communication with Hand Surgery professionals so that more surgeons and therapists have an awareness of and access to Joint Jack products.

The Joint Jack Family of Products