Publication

Abstract : Loose body in elbow joint is a comparatively rare entity and the patient becomes symptomatic of pain either due to arthritic changes or mechanical block it offers to the free joint motion.A 41 year old presented with history of right elbow pain of 2 months duration. Pain was felt on elbo movements as from within the joint. There was painful restriction in his range of flexion. An X-ray showed a large well defined loose body in the olecranon fossa. MRI suggested the possibility of Pigmented Villonodular synovitis (PVNS) or Synovial osteochondromatosis. An arthroscopic loose body removal and synovial biopsy was done and the joint thoroughly debrided. Post operatively, patient had dramatic improvement in the pain, though the range of movements was more or less the same. After 1 year follow up, range of movements increased to near normal, comparable with the contralateral side. Arthroscopic approach is more advantageous than an open method since the morbidity is less, but is more technically demanding and more prone for neurovascular complications. If found difficult at any point of time; surgeon should not hesitate to convert it into an open procedure.