Loose bodies in the elbow

Loose bodies in the elbow

The common causes are osteoarthritis, osteochondritis disse - cans in the young ( Figure 38.33 ) and synovial chondromatosis ( Figure 38.34 ). Patients describe sudden pain and locking, and the need to manipulate the elbow for relief. Plain radiographs will usually confirm the diagnosis ( Figure 38.35 ) but if there is doubt a CT or MR arthrogram will demonstrate filling defects in the intra-articular contrast. Arthroscopic clearance of the joint produces good results ( Figure 38.36 ).

Figure 38.32 (a, b) Linked total elbow replace

ment. Figure 38.33 Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum (Panner’s disease).

Loose bodies in the elbow

The common causes are osteoarthritis, osteochondritis disse - cans in the young ( Figure 38.33 ) and synovial chondromatosis ( Figure 38.34 ). Patients describe sudden pain and locking, and the need to manipulate the elbow for relief. Plain radiographs will usually confirm the diagnosis ( Figure 38.35 ) but if there is doubt a CT or MR arthrogram will demonstrate filling defects in the intra-articular contrast. Arthroscopic clearance of the joint produces good results ( Figure 38.36 ).

Figure 38.32 (a, b) Linked total elbow replace

ment. Figure 38.33 Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum (Panner’s disease).

Loose bodies in the elbow

The common causes are osteoarthritis, osteochondritis disse - cans in the young ( Figure 38.33 ) and synovial chondromatosis ( Figure 38.34 ). Patients describe sudden pain and locking, and the need to manipulate the elbow for relief. Plain radiographs will usually confirm the diagnosis ( Figure 38.35 ) but if there is doubt a CT or MR arthrogram will demonstrate filling defects in the intra-articular contrast. Arthroscopic clearance of the joint produces good results ( Figure 38.36 ).

Figure 38.32 (a, b) Linked total elbow replace

ment. Figure 38.33 Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum (Panner’s disease).