A joint distraction device for use in an arthroscopic surgery is provided. The device has a joint distraction mechanism, situated in between two bone fixation surfaces, and is capable of changing the relative distance between these two surfaces. The force generated by the mechanism should be sufficient to insert bone spikes affixed to the surfaces into bone, as well as distract the joint to create a sufficient enough gap to allow the intended procedure. With the surfaces and spikes engaged to bone at opposite sites of a joint, an increase in distraction force results in an increase in the relative distance results, hence increasing the space within the joint. Embodiments of this invention, compared to fracture table approaches, effectively eliminate the risk of pudendal nerve injury, allow for longer surgical times, and allow for much more controllable joint distraction.