Intra-articular loose bodies

Intra-articular loose bodies are fragments of cartilage or bone that become detached and float within a joint space, often resulting from trauma or degenerative joint disease. Their presence can lead to joint pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching during movement, which can significantly impair function. A common association is with osteochondritis dissecans, where these loose bodies may originate from damaged cartilage in the knee.