The Elbow

Loose Body in an arthrotic joint

Occurence:

• The patient is middle aged or elderly and mentions a slight ache in the elbow.
• On top of that he reports attacks of pain lasting a few days or weeks
• The acute symptoms disappear spontaneously.

Clinical Examination

• Between the attacks : capsular pattern of limitation with a hard endfeel ( arthrosis )
• During the attacks : a non-capsular pattern with gross limitation of extension/
  or flexion, combined with a soft springy endfeel.
• The loose bodies are usually osseous and visible on a radiograph.

Treatment

• Manipulations can be performed during the attacks.
• Usually the (acute) condition subsides spontaneously without any treatment.
• Arthroscopic removal may be considered in case the recurrence rate of acute
  attacks is too high.

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