TITLE:
Loose Body in the Knee Joint: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Hussein Khudhur, Joudi Habbal, Waleed Mohammed
KEYWORDS:
Loose Bodies, Knee Joint, Arthroscopy, MRI, Osseous Loose Body, Surgical Management, Meniscal Degeneration, Baker’s Cyst, Bursitis, Osteoarthritic Changes, Comprehensive Treatment
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
16,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Loose bodies (LBs) within the knee joint are commonly encountered during clinical practice and are frequently observed during knee arthroscopy. The primary treatment involves the removal of loose bodies; however, their complete eradication is often challenging and may not address underlying diseases, leading to persistent symptoms and the risk of new loose body formation. Aim: This case report aims to present the findings and surgical management of a 52-year-old male with an unusually large osseous loose body in the knee joint and associated pathologies. Case Presentation: The patient, a 52-year-old male, experienced recurrent episodes of severe, sudden, and painful locking of the knee joint, leading to difficulties moving. A plain MRI study was conducted to evaluate the condition of the knee joint, which revealed various degenerative changes and the presence of a loose body. Subsequently, an arthroscopic examination was performed under general anesthesia, uncovering the presence of an abnormally large loose body, as well as other pathologies including chondropathy, meniscal degeneration, and Baker’s cyst. Conclusion: Loose bodies (LBs) in the knee joint pose significant challenges and may lead to debilitating symptoms. Timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial for symptom relief and the prevention of further joint damage as arthroscopic excision. Comprehensive imaging has a vital role in guiding treatment decisions and optimizing patient outcomes. In this case, the removal of the loose body improved patient outcomes and helped prevent potential joint complications.