Loose Bodies – Elbow

WHAT ARE LOOSE BODIES?

Loose bodies in the elbow are free floating structures that can occasionally cause symptoms in the elbow. Typically, these loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that have broken off. These pieces can cause pain, locking, stiffness, and catching of the elbow.

WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A LOOSE BODY IN THE ELBOW?

Common symptoms of elbow loose bodies include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Catching / Clicking sensation in the elbow from the loose bodies
• Difficulty / Pain when extending the elbow
• Feeling of something moving around in the elbow

Pain

The most common symptom is pain, which can range from mild to severe and is often aggravated by movement. The pain may be localized to a specific area of the elbow or radiate down the arm.

Swelling

Inflammation caused by the loose bodies can lead to swelling of the elbow joint. This swelling can make the elbow appear puffy and tender to the touch.

Stiffness

As the joint becomes inflamed, it can also become stiff. This stiffness may make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as bending and straightening the elbow or gripping objects.

Joint Noises

The grinding or popping sensations known as joint noises are a telltale sign of loose bodies in the elbow. These noises are caused by the loose bodies moving within the joint and can be a source of embarrassment or discomfort.

Causes

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Synovial Chondromatosis
• Synovial Osteochondromatosis

DIAGNOSIS

In the office, a thorough history and physical exam is obtained. Careful measurements of range of motion and strength of the elbow are recorded. Often, diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and MRI, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of loose bodies.

TREATMENT

Most people can live with loose bodies in the elbow joint without difficulty. However, if symptoms continue to persist and interfere with elbow function, surgical treatment can help alleviate these issues. 

Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to view the elbow joint through small incisions. Once the loose body is identified, it can be removed by using arthroscopic instruments. This is typically done in an outpatient setting under general / regional anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day.