Loose Body Removal
Loose Body Removal in Bengaluru at VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic
At VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic, Bengaluru, Dr. Vijay Girish performs Loose Body Removal — a minimally invasive procedure to remove small fragments of bone, cartilage, or other tissue that have broken loose within the ankle joint. These loose fragments can cause pain, swelling, catching, or locking sensations in the ankle, significantly affecting movement and daily activities.
Using advanced arthroscopic techniques, Dr. Vijay Girish can visualize and remove these loose bodies precisely through tiny keyhole incisions. This approach ensures minimal tissue damage, faster recovery, and early return to activity, making it the preferred method for most patients.
What is Loose Body Removal?
Loose Body Removal is a procedure that targets free-floating fragments within the joint cavity — these may result from cartilage wear, injury, osteochondritis dissecans, or arthritis. When these fragments move around inside the joint, they can get trapped between bones during motion, causing pain, clicking, or locking sensations. Arthroscopic removal allows the surgeon to locate and extract these fragments under direct visualization, restoring smooth and pain-free joint function.
Common Reasons for Loose Body Removal
The procedure is recommended when loose bodies within the joint cause pain, swelling, or restricted motion. Common causes and indications include:
- Loose bone or cartilage fragments resulting from injury or trauma.
- Osteochondritis dissecans — a condition where bone and cartilage separate from the joint surface.
- Advanced osteoarthritis leading to degenerative cartilage breakdown.
- Chronic ankle pain, swelling, or locking sensation during movement.
- Post-surgical or post-traumatic fragments causing mechanical symptoms.
Surgical Process and Recovery
Arthroscopic Loose Body Removal is usually performed under regional or general anesthesia. Through small keyhole incisions, a high-definition arthroscope is inserted into the joint, allowing Dr. Vijay Girish to locate and remove the loose fragments using specialized instruments. This minimally invasive approach ensures high precision and minimal disruption to healthy tissue.
- The procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the number and size of loose bodies.
- Patients are usually discharged the same day with a supportive dressing or light splint.
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin within a few days to prevent stiffness.
- Stitches are typically removed within 10–14 days post-surgery.
- Most patients experience noticeable relief in pain and improved joint movement within 3–4 weeks.
At VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic, Bengaluru, Dr. Vijay Girish combines advanced arthroscopic equipment and precise surgical skill to ensure safe and complete removal of loose fragments with minimal downtime. His patient-focused approach ensures faster recovery, reduced pain, and restoration of full joint mobility — allowing patients to return to sports, work, and daily activities with renewed comfort.