Loose bodies are small pieces of bone or cartilage that can break off in the hip joint after an injury. If a loose body is causing significant symptoms, it can be removed through small incisions during hip arthroscopy.
What are the symptoms of loose bodies?
A loose body in the joint is like having a pebble caught in your shoe. This can cause pain and irritation in the hip. When a loose body becomes lodged or stuck in the hip during normal joint motion, it causes pain and clicking or clunking sensations.
How are loose bodies diagnosed?
A sports medicine physician can often diagnose a loose body based on your symptoms and examination. However, the diagnosis of a loose body is usually verified by x-ray and MRI to determine the size and location of the loose fragment.