Loose Bodies

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