Orthopaedic Surgeon Questions Orthopaedic Surgeon

ā€œWhat is moving in my right knee? ā€

Ever since my right knee dislocated 4 years ago, I have had something moving in my knee as I walk and or run. It feels as if it is a ball moving from mainly the right side of my to the back of my knee. Iā€™m not sure what it could be.

Male | 23 years old

6 Answers

Loose bodies are very common after knee dislocations, and can feel as you described. A loose body is usually a piece of articular cartilage and or bone that gets dislodged during the initial trauma, but can also occur later on if the dislocation leaves the knee unstable and recurrent microtraumas occur. A meniscus tear, which can also occur during such traumatic events, can often feel like a loose body as well. Best to be evaluated by a knee specialist including proper X-rays, MRI scan and CT scan if necessary, and correcting the problem if necessary before it causes further damage.

Ron Noy, MD, FAAOS
The most likely cause is a loose body of cartilage. Typically, these require arthroscopic removal. They do not resorb on their own.

Good luck,

Dr. L
It's a loose piece of cartilage
Given the history of dislocation, there might be a possibility of loose pieces of cartilage, or it can be just fluid (popliteal cyst). I would suggest getting evaluated by your orthopedist.
Thanks.
It might be a piece of cartilage or instability of the knee because of ligament injury. You need an MRI.
You probably have a loose body in your knee. Often, when the knee cap dislocated, a piece of cartilage or bone and cartilage gets knocked off. Over time, it can enlarge. You should see an orthopedic surgeon.