A joint injury in which pieces of bone or cartilage break off into unattached fragments. Loose bodies usually cause pain, restricted range of motion, and increased damage to the joint. The fragments must be removed, usually by arthroscopic surgery, to restore the joint’s normal function and movement.
Pieces of bone, cartilage, or the lining of a joint that have become detached are known as loose bodies. These fragments can occur when a joint experiences damage, which might result from injuries, osteoarthritis, or osteochondritis dissecans.
These fragments have the potential to lead to a joint becoming immobilized, which can result in intense discomfort. X-rays or arthroscopy (a procedure using an endoscope to inspect the joint’s interior) can help identify their existence. Delicate adjustments to the joint might be necessary to unlock it. Should this locking happen repeatedly, the loose fragments can be removed through arthroscopy or surgical means.