LOOSE BODIES IN THE ANKLE JOINT
What are intra-articular loose bodies?
Loose bodies – fragments of cartilage, bone or osteochondral tissue that have come away and move freely in the joint space. Depending on their size, their consistency and their position they can cause the joint to lock, cause pain, or considerably disturb the normal mechanics of the joint.
How do loose bodies develop in the ankle joint?
Loose bodies in the ankle joint are usually the result of mechanical overloading, injury or degenerative processes. Small pieces of cartilage or bone come away from the joint surface and enter the joint space. There they can move freely, become caught from time to time or rub against sensitive structures – which leads to pain and restricted movement. The causes are varied and range from acute injury through to chronic conditions.
- Injuries or accidents, for example inversion injuries with cartilage and bone fragments breaking off
- Wear of the joint (osteoarthritis) with cartilage loss and flaking
- Inflammatory joint conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, for example)
- Osteochondrosis dissecans – a disturbance of the blood supply to parts of the bone beneath the cartilage
- Changes or instability after an operation
Symptoms
Loose bodies go unnoticed for a long time in some cases – particularly when they are small or lie freely in the joint space. Once they interfere with the mechanics of the joint, however, they can cause painful symptoms. Under load or with certain movements in particular, pain typically shoots in suddenly, the joint feels blocked, or it swells. The symptoms usually recur and can noticeably restrict the mobility of the ankle.
Pain
Stabbing or blocking pain on movement
Feeling of catching
A feeling of something catching in the joint is typical, particularly with certain movements, and can go as far as the joint locking suddenly.
Swelling
After physical activity the ankle can swell and become irritated, frequently accompanied by a feeling of tightness or pressure.
Treating loose bodies in the ankle joint
Treatment of loose bodies in the ankle joint depends largely on the size, number and position of the fragments and on the symptoms they cause. While small loose bodies that cause no symptoms can be observed without surgery to begin with, symptoms of locking or inflammatory irritation frequently call for an operation. The aim is always to restore free, largely pain-free joint function and to avoid further damage to the cartilage or the joint.
Treatment options
Non-surgical and surgical – we will find the right approach for you
Rest and a temporary break from sport
Reducing the mechanical load on the joint in order to avoid further irritation.
Orthopaedic insoles
To stabilise the ankle and take load off it where the mechanics of the foot are unfavourable.
Physiotherapy
Strengthening the surrounding muscles in order to improve the guidance of the joint and proprioception.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, for example) or targeted injections where there is accompanying irritation.
Arthroscopic removal (keyhole surgery)
A camera and fine instruments are introduced through two or three small openings. The loose fragments are located and removed.
Frequently asked questions about loose bodies in the ankle joint
What exactly are loose bodies?
How can you tell that there is a loose body?
How are loose bodies diagnosed?
Do loose bodies always need surgery?
How does the treatment work?
Our foot specialists
Experienced consultants for loose bodies and foot surgery
