Arthroscopic Loose Body Removal

Loose bodies are osseous or chondral fragments freely floating in the intra-articular cavity of the knee. Loose bodies can result from more insidious cartilage pathologies or acute joint injuries, such as an anterior cruciate ligament tear or patellar dislocation. Because loose bodies are freely floating in the intra-articular cavity and can get lodged in spaces inside the joint, they can cause substantial pain and mechanical symptoms. Physical examination findings will correlate with the inciting injury, if there is one. Other times, if the loose body is large enough, it may be palpated in the medial or lateral gutter. Since the physical examination may be normal, imaging is key for confirming the presence of a loose body. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for identifying loose bodies. Arthroscopy is the treatment of choice for removing loose bodies. Following arthroscopy, patients often report satisfaction with the procedure and a decrease in symptoms, and the majority return to unrestricted activity. While arthroscopy is an excellent treatment option for loose bodies, it is imperative that patients’ chronic joint conditions be monitored and treatment optimized in order to prevent additional loose bodies from forming in the future.