Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Novel Triple-Loop Technique for Suturing TFCC Injuries without Transosseous Tunnel
Published on: May 23, 2025
Loose body in the wrist: diagnosis and treatment
Shukuki Koh1, Ryogo Nakamura, Emiko Horii
1Department of Hand Surgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan. BYF02175@nifty.ne.jp
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to report on 10 cases of symptomatic loose bodies in the wrist joints diagnosed using arthroscopy.
Type Of Study:
Retrospective review.
Methods:
From 1986 to 2000, we performed wrist arthroscopy for 707 patients, 10 of whom had loose bodies in the wrist joints. The clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. The patients included 8 men and 2 women, and the average age was 28 years (range, 16 to 67 years). The chief complaint was wrist pain in all patients, but locking was uncommon. Preoperative diagnosis was difficult in all but 3 cases; in those cases, an osseous component was found within the loose bodies. The remaining cases were diagnosed by wrist arthroscopy.
Results:
The loose bodies existed in the radiocarpal joint in 5 cases, and all could be removed arthroscopically. In the other 5 cases, the loose bodies were in the distal radioulnar joint, and arthrotomy was needed to remove them. After removal of the loose bodies, the pain was relieved in all cases without any surgical complications.
Conclusions:
Loose bodies in the wrist joint should be included in the differential diagnosis for chronic wrist pain. Wrist arthroscopy is of value because the preoperative diagnosis is usually difficult.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
Muscles that Move the Forearm
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...