What is Loose Body Removal Surgery?
When small fragments of bone and cartilage become separated, they can float loosely through the affected region causing the joints to lock up. These pieces of bone and cartilage are called “loose bodies,” and they often require surgical intervention to remove; otherwise, the individual with loose bodies will experience disruptions in their range of motion. Treatment options for loose bodies depends on an individual’s age, health, and condition. Location of the loose bodies also plays an important role in determining the best type of treatment, as does medical history.
If you experience locking in your ankle or knee joint that restricts your movement and renders you incapable of taking part in active hobbies or athletics, you could be suffering from loose bodies. Failure to address loose bodies quickly could result in damage to the articular cartilage, resulting in osteoarthritis. If you feel your knees locking up, consult an orthopedic surgeon to see if loose body removal is right for you.
Who is a Candidate?
Individuals who take part in athletics or work in industries that require hard physical labor are at a heightened risk of developing loose bodies. Loose bodies are most commonly the result of sports- or work-related injuries, which means it’s important for people working in occupations that involve heavy lifting, bending over, pulling or pushing, and other repetitive physical tasks to be on the lookout for abnormal pain or changes in mobility. People with osteoarthritis should also be wary of developing loose bodies. Repeated injuries to the same body part can also increase a person’s chance of developing loose bodies.
Do you feel like your joints are locking up when you stretch your legs? Have you lost your ability to extend your legs fully? If the answer is “yes,” a loose body may be jamming your joint; however, you won’t know for sure until an orthopedic surgeon has diagnosed your condition. To truly determine whether or not an individual is a good candidate for loose body removal surgery, one of the following diagnostic exams must first be performed:
- X-ray
- Computed tomography scan (CAT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Arthrography
What Happens During the Procedure?
There are two widely recognized forms of loose body removal surgery. Both types of surgeries aim to remove any problematic cartilage or bone that is restricting movement in the joint, causing limited mobility or pain. The first type, arthroscopy, is the more commonly used form of loose body removal surgery. This minimally invasive surgical option utilizes small incisions to reduce the chance of complications. As is the case with nearly all arthroscopic procedures, an arthroscope (small, tube-like camera) is inserted into one of the incisions. It is positioned in a way that gives the orthopedic surgeon a complete visual of the damaged region. Utilizing this visual as a guide, the surgeon then introduces various arthroscopic instruments to perform the procedure. For an arthroscopic loose body removal, a suction cup is utilized to extract the loose bodies.
The second type of surgery is called an “arthrotomy.” An arthrotomy is a less commonly used surgical option; however, it is effective for removing large loose bodies that arthroscopy can’t deal with. This is a more complex surgery with a higher degree of risk, mainly due to the larger incisions that must be made to perform the procedure. Talk to your medical provider to see which type of surgery is right for you.
What are the Risks?
Loose body removal surgery is a highly successful procedure with a long history of positive outcomes. Like most surgeries, the inherent risks include blood loss and infection; but it’s worth noting that the risk of complications is greatly reduced when a minimally invasive surgical option is employed as opposed to traditional methods. Of course, patients should be cognizant of their surgeon’s instructions when undergoing arthrotomy, as this form of surgery presents an increased risk of complications. Individuals who experience adverse effects in the wake of surgery should consult their medical provider immediately.
How is the Recovery Process?
One of the best aspects of loose body removal surgery is the quick recovery time following surgery. Many patients are healed in as little as two to four weeks. The key to a speedy recovery is to listen to your body and your doctor. Don’t put weight in places where your body isn’t prepared to handle it, and don’t take your doctor’s word for granted. You should also keep the wound clean and and get tons of rest. During the recovery process, attention to detail can help accelerate recovery times and get you back to doing what you love. After several months go by, if you begin to suspect that your joint hasn’t fully healed, give your surgeon a call to discuss your next steps. Loose bodies don’t have to be a hindrance, consult an orthopedic surgeon to learn about your treatment options.
Loose Body Removal Success Rate
- Symptomatic Relief:
- The success rate for symptomatic relief following arthroscopic removal of loose bodies is high, with many studies reporting improvement in 85-95% of cases. This includes reduced pain and swelling, as well as the resolution of catching or locking sensations.
- Return to Activity:
- Most patients can return to their previous activity levels post-surgery. For athletes, the majority can return to their sports, often within weeks to a few months after the procedure.
- Complication Rate:
- Complications from arthroscopic loose body removal are relatively rare. The most common complications can include infection, bleeding, and injury to surrounding structures, but these are infrequent.
Factors Influencing Success Rates:
- Number and Size of Loose Bodies: Patients with numerous or very large loose bodies might experience slightly lower success rates compared to those with a single, small fragment.
- Cause of the Loose Bodies: The underlying cause, be it trauma, osteoarthritis, or another condition, can influence outcomes. For instance, if osteoarthritis is the primary issue, removing loose bodies might provide relief, but the degenerative nature of the disease might lead to ongoing symptoms.
- Surgical Technique and Experience: The experience of the orthopedic surgeon and the specific technique used can affect outcomes. Arthroscopy is minimally invasive and generally preferred due to quicker recovery times and reduced complication rates.
- Post-Operative Rehabilitation: Following the surgeon’s post-operative care recommendations, including any prescribed physical therapy, is essential for optimal recovery.