Loose Bodies in the Hip

What are loose bodies in the hip?

Loose bodies in the hip refer to the small fragments; pieces of bone and articular cartilage, that break off in the hip joint during and after a hip injury. These pieces can vary in size and shape and can cause different symptoms for individual patients. Oftentimes, individuals never experience symptoms at all. Loose bodies can also occur in the hip from basic wear-and-tear of the joint as seen in the process of arthritis and osteoarthritis. When a torn fragment is floating in the joint, patients will feel a sudden, sharp pain and mobility can be affected. This process is analogous to having a “pebble in one’s shoe.” Hip injuries such as impingement, subluxation and dislocation can cause loose bodies and hip pain. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, orthopedic hip specialist, serving patients in Manhattan, New York City and the surrounding New York boroughs, specializes in treating loose bodies in the hip.

What are the symptoms of loose bodies in the hip?

The primary symptoms of loose bodies in the hip are:

• Sharp pain when the hip is flexed in a particular position.
• Catching or locking of the hip joint.
• A dull ache.

How are loose bodies in the hip diagnosed?

Loose bodies in the hip will need to be detected either from an X-ray or an MRI. If an injury has occurred and an X-ray or MRI has been ordered, the loose bodies will be noted, and treatment will need to be prescribed. If loose bodies are suspected to be present long after an injury, a new X-ray or MRI may need to be performed.

What is the treatment for loose bodies in the hip?

Surgical Treatment:

In patients where loose bodies are present within the hip and cause ongoing hip pain, surgery will need to be performed in order to remove the loose fragments. Leaving loose fragments in the joint may lead to further deterioration of the articular cartilage.

The good news is, unlike many other hip conditions and injuries, loose bodies in the hip are relatively easy to detect and surgically remove. Dr. Nwachukwu will use an arthroscopic surgical approach to remove the loose and lodged fragments. In the majority of patients, hip pain is reduced significantly once the loose bodies have been removed. Dr. Nwachukwu will also address any other pathology in the hip at the time of the removal of loose bodies.

How long is the recovery following arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies?

Recovery from the removal of loose bodies in the hip occurs quite quickly. Dr. Nwachukwu will provide a well-supervised physical therapy program beginning immediately after surgery. Therapy will focus on slowly returning motion to the injured hip, followed by a progressive strengthening program to protect the repaired hip. It is essential for patients in New York and the surrounding areas to follow the protocol for post-op recovery as set forth by Dr. Nwachukwu for the best recovery possible.

For more information on loose bodies in the hip, please contact the office of Benedict Nwachukwu, MD, orthopedic hip specialist serving Manhattan, New York City and surrounding New York boroughs.