Aetiology
- Traumatic
- osteochondritis dissecans
- Degenerative
- In Osteoarthritis small osteophytes can break off
- large loose bodys in Charcots
- Inflammation
- fibrous loose bodies
- Synovial chondromatosis or cartilage metaplasia
- numerous loose bodies
History
- Usually present with locking ± pain
- May be associated with a synovitis
Investigations
- X-Rays
- Identify loose bodies
- underlying pathology
Treatment
- Symptomatic loose bodies should be removed
Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.