What is a loose body in the knee?
A loose body is a small piece of cartilage or bone that breaks off and moves freely around the knee in joint fluid, or synovium. Loose bodies can hinder the joint moment by getting caught in flexion and extension movements.The fragments can lead to damage to the articular cartilage, causing osteoarthritis. Dr. Austin Chen, knee and sports medicine specialist serving Greater Boulder, Colorado, is available to both diagnose and treat loose bodies of the knee.
What are the symptoms of loose bodies in the knee?
The symptoms of loose bodies is the feeling of something moving in the knee, and/or the locking of the knee as though something is blocking it.
What are the causes of loose bodies of the knee?
Loose bodies in the knee can be the result of a traumatic event or sport that causes damage to the cartilage in the knee. They can also occur due to inflammatory conditions of the knee. Osteoarthritis or Charcot’s disease can be secondary causes. Synovial chondromatosis (also called synovial osteochondromatosis) is a rare cause as well.
What is the treatment for loose bodies in the knee?
Unfortunately, there are limited non-surgical treatment options for loose bodies in the knee. Dr. Chen most always suggests surgical treatment to remove painful cartilage flaps or loose bodies within the joint.
