Loose bodies

Fragments of bone, cartilage, or capsule linings within a joint. Loose bodies may occur whenever there is damage to a joint, as in injury, osteoarthritis, or osteochondritis dissecans. The fragments can cause a joint to lock, resulting in severe pain. Gentle manipulation may be required to unlock the joint. If locking occurs frequently, the loose bodies may be removed during arthroscopy or by surgery.

 

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