Name of the Condition

• Loose body in knee, left knee
• Synonyms: Joint mice, Intra-articular loose body

Summary

Loose body in the knee refers to small fragments of bone or cartilage that have become detached and are floating within the knee joint. These can cause pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.

Causes

• Trauma or injury to the knee
• Osteoarthritis
• Synovial chondromatosis
• Osteochondritis dissecans

Risk Factors

• Participation in high-impact sports
• Previous knee injuries
• Advanced age
• Degenerative joint disease

Symptoms

• Intermittent knee pain
• Swelling or inflammation
• Clicking or locking sensation in the knee
• Limited range of motion

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to visualize loose bodies
• Patient history review

Treatment Options

• Non-surgical management includes physical therapy and NSAIDs for pain relief.
• Arthroscopic surgery can be performed to remove loose bodies and alleviate symptoms.
• Surgery is generally considered when conservative measures fail.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis is generally good after surgical removal of loose bodies.
• Regular follow-up is essential to monitor knee function and prevent recurrence.

Complications

• Potential development of osteoarthritis
• Chronic knee pain or discomfort
• Limited joint function

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Engage in low-impact exercises to strengthen the knee
• Use knee protection during sports
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent knee pain or swelling
• Difficulty bearing weight on the knee
• Experiencing knee locking or instability

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• Arthritis Foundation

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the correct laterality is documented (left knee)
• Be aware of similar conditions, such as foreign bodies or calcifications, to avoid miscoding.
• Verify the presence of accompanying conditions, like osteoarthritis, that could impact coding.