It is possible for loose, tiny fragments of bone or cartilage to break off from their source in your knee. These detached fragments are commonly referred to as “loose bodies”. Loose bodies in the knee can lead to pain, inflammation, and swelling in the knee as well as the joint locking up. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have loose bodies in your knee. We offer arthroscopic loose body removal to extract loose bodies and alleviate painful symptoms.
Angelo Mattalino, MD is led by Dr. Mattalino, is a renowned orthopedic surgeon who strives to improve the wellness of all of his patients. Dr. Mattalino and his expert medical staff welcome patients from all areas. Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment and find out how we can restore a healthier and improved quality of living!
How do loose bodies occur?
The most common causes of loose bodies in the knee are a physical injury, fracture, and inflammation within the bone or cartilage. Less common causes of loose bodies are through degeneration of tissue due to tuberculosis, bleeding within the joint, arthritis, and tumors within the synovial membrane. Loose bodies in the knee are common amongst individuals who are active in sports or who work highly physical jobs.
What is arthroscopic loose body removal?
Arthroscopic loose body removal is an advanced procedure to extract loose bodies in the knee to alleviate pain among other associated symptoms. This procedure uses an arthroscope, which is a tube with a camera on the end that sends video footage to a large monitor for enhanced precision. Through a tiny incision, the arthroscope will be inserted into the knee to help locate the loose body. A saline solution will be administered into the incision site to expand the joint and enhance visualization. Surgical tools are then used to extract the loose body. With the arthroscope inside the knee, our orthopedic experts can also assess the damage it may have caused as well as any additional problems that may be inhibiting healthy knee function.
Am I a good candidate for arthroscopic loose body removal?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or a locking of the knee, it may be due to a loose body. Meet with our orthopedic experts so we may properly determine if an arthroscopic loose body removal may be right for you.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment if your everyday wellness is compromised by pain or other associated symptoms in the knee. We can help you determine which of our procedures may be beneficial to your daily life.