Question 1

What is a loose body in the knee?

Accepted Answer

A loose body is a small piece of cartilage, bone, or both that has broken free and is moving within the knee joint.

Question 2

Where do loose bodies come from?

Accepted Answer

Loose bodies can result from arthritis, cartilage damage, an injury, or conditions in which pieces of cartilage or bone separate from the joint surface.

Question 3

Can a loose body cause catching or locking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A loose body can move around within the knee and intermittently become trapped between the joint surfaces, causing catching, locking, pain, or sudden difficulty moving the knee.

Question 4

Does every loose body need to be removed?

Accepted Answer

No. Loose bodies that are not causing symptoms can sometimes be left alone. Removal is generally recommended when they cause persistent pain, swelling, catching, locking, or other mechanical symptoms.

Question 5

Can loose bodies be removed arthroscopically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most loose bodies can be removed through a relatively simple arthroscopic procedure using small incisions. The remainder of the knee can also be evaluated at the same time.

Loose Bodies