Loose Body in Knee

A loose body in the knee may cause various symptoms, including pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Someone with this condition may also encounter the following symptoms:

• Pain and discomfort, including a popping sensation or clicking sound on the affected knee joint when moved. This may indicate a loose body is present and moving around within the joint.
• Swelling or inflammation around the joint is a common symptom, and when this occurs, it makes the knee feel warm and tender to the touch.
• A loose body in the knee brings about joint stiffness and reduced flexibility, which makes it difficult for the sufferer to bend or straighten their knee fully.
• In some cases, a loose body in the knee can get caught between the bones in the joint, causing the knee to lock when it is moved.
• Decreased range of motion, which can make it challenging to walk, climb stairs, or bend down.

Consulting a skilled surgeon that can perform a physical examination and run diagnostic tests is crucial to identifying a loose body in the knee and developing a treatment plan to manage related symptoms.

How to Know If You Have Loose Bodies In Your Knee

An orthopedic knee surgeon can diagnose a loose body in the knee through a comprehensive physical examination and diagnostic testing. During the physical examination, the doctor evaluates the knee for tenderness, swelling, and joint movement abnormalities. They can also perform specific diagnostic tests to assess the knee joint stability and look for signs of joint damage. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans help visualize the knee joint and identify any loose bodies or other structural abnormalities. If the surgeon sees a loose body, they can recommend an ideal treatment approach to manage symptoms. 

The treatment choice for a loose body in the knee depends on the severity of symptoms and the size and location of the loose body. They can include conservative treatments like rest and physical therapy, medications such as NSAIDs, and rehabilitation, as well as physical therapy post-surgery to restore function to the knee joint.

Conservative treatments for a loose body in the knee include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to minimize pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can be prescribed to mitigate knee joint pain and swelling. 

If conservative treatments do not improve symptoms, arthroscopic surgery is the most common procedure used to remove a loose body from the knee joint. During this surgery, an arthroscope is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to see and remove the loose body through small incisions. However, in severe cases where the loose body is too large, open surgery, which is typically the last resort, may be necessary.

Following surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy are recommended to restore knee joint strength and flexibility. Patients work with a physical therapist to create an exercise regimen tailored to their needs. The recovery process after loose body removal surgery can take several weeks to months, subject to the size, loose body location, and surgical approach used. Some pain, swelling, and stiffness in the operated joint are to be expected after surgery—this can be remedied with pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients are usually advised to use assistive devices when moving around and limit strenuous activities to avoid bearing weight on the affected joint for a few days.

Get Help at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today

Removing loose bodies in the knee is critical for restoring joint mobility and relieving pain caused by dislodged cartilage or bone fragments. Seek medical attention at the onset of knee pain symptoms to help prevent further joint damage. Prompt treatment also improves surgical success and reduces postoperative issues.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our team of skilled orthopedic knee surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating various knee conditions, including loose body removal. We use cutting-edge surgical techniques to provide personalized care and promising outcomes for all patients during their recovery. Individuals suffering from knee pain or discomfort should contact us at (866) 553-0612 or fill out our detailed online contact form to schedule an appointment.