A loose body refers to a small piece of bone or cartilage that has broken off from its original location within a joint. These loose bodies can cause pain, swelling, catching sensations, and reduced range of motion within the joint. They commonly occur in joints such as the knee, shoulder, or elbow.

Treatment for a loose body typically involves:

Conservative Management: If the loose body is small and does not cause significant symptoms, conservative measures such as rest, activity modification, pain management with medications, and physical therapy may be recommended.

Arthroscopic Surgery: This is often the preferred treatment if the loose body is causing persistent symptoms or mechanical issues within the joint. During arthroscopic surgery, orthopedic surgeons can visualize the joint using a camera (arthroscope) and remove the loose body without the need for a large
incision. This procedure is minimally invasive and allows for quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Open Surgery: In cases where the loose body is large or complex, or if there are other structural issues within the joint that need addressing, open surgery may be necessary. This involves a larger incision and direct visualization of the joint to remove the loose body and address any other issues. This is very uncommon as most loose bodies can be removed arthroscopically.

The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the size and location of the loose body, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health and activity level. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine we have experts in arthroscopy who can devise the appropriate treatment plan for your
specific condition.