Loose Bodies in the Elbow
What are Loose Bodies in the Elbow?
Your elbow is a joint made up of three bones held together by muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It is both a hinge and pivot joint allowing you to bend and rotate your elbow freely. Loose bodies in your elbow are small pieces of bone or cartilage that have broken off and are lying or floating free within the joint. They can make elbow movement such as bending or rotation difficult.
What are the Causes of Loose Bodies in the Elbow?
Loose bodies in your elbow may be caused by osteoarthritis, a condition in which the cartilage surfaces of the elbow suffer wear and tear or damage. Other causes include:
What are the Symptoms of Loose Bodies in the Elbow?
Loose bodies in the elbow may be associated with:
- Elbow pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Catching or locking sensation in the elbow
Robert Najarian, M.D.
Dr. Najarian is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. With additional fellowship training in sports medicine and more than 18 years of experience, he specializes in treating the knee, shoulder, and elbow, as well as all sports-related injuries. His area of focus is in the treatment of knee cartilage and ligamentous injury, shoulder instability and rotator cuff repair, and elbow injuries in the throwing athlete (Tommy John Surgery). He has been named a Washingtonian Top Doctor since 2016.
How is Loose Bodies in the Elbow Diagnosed?
To evaluate your elbow, your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical examination. Movement and range of motion of the elbow are assessed. An X-ray or MRI of the elbow may be ordered to visualize the joint and identify the loose body.
What is the Treatment for Loose Bodies in the Elbow?
Generally, you may not experience much discomfort and can live with loose bodies in your elbow without difficulty. However, if symptoms become severe and are affecting elbow movement, surgery may be suggested.
Your doctor can treat your condition with a procedure called elbow arthroscopy. It is a minimally invasive technique that reduces surgical trauma and allows an early recovery.
Though there are minor risks or complications associated with the procedure, they can be treated and are unlikely to influence the outcome. In most cases, surgical removal of the loose bodies will relieve your painful symptoms, but pain may persist if you have underlying osteoarthritis.
