Incidence of loose bodies in an osteoarthritic hip
Rai, N.N.; Siney, P.D.; Fleming, P.A.; Wroblewski, B.M.
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 46(5): 274-276
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-8835 PMID: 11697694 Document Number: 532220
In a prospective study of 75 consecutive primary Charnley low friction arthroplasties carried out for osteoarthritis, loose bodies were found in nine hip joints; an incidence of 12%. Whether their presence is the cause or the effect of the condition remains unclear. Their discoid or spherical shape suggests that they were free and had been subjected to sliding or rolling motion. Those of irregular shape may have remained partly attached within the capsule, or become confined to a space.