Loose body removal is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure designed to extract free-floating fragments of bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue from within a joint space. These loose bodies, also called joint mice, can develop from various causes including osteochondritis dissecans (where a piece of cartilage and underlying bone separates from the joint surface), degenerative arthritis with fragmentation of osteophytes (bone spurs), previous trauma with cartilage or bone chips, synovial chondromatosis (a rare condition where the joint lining produces cartilage nodules), or fractures that create intra-articular fragments. When these fragments move freely within the joint, they cause mechanical symptoms, inflammation, and progressive cartilage damage. Dr. Kumar performs precise arthroscopic loose body removal using high-definition camera systems and specialized grasping instruments through small portal incisions. The procedure involves systematic exploration of all joint compartments to identify and retrieve all loose fragments, as even small pieces left behind can continue to cause symptoms. The knee is the most common location for loose bodies, but they can occur in any joint including the shoulder, elbow, ankle, and hip. During arthroscopy, Dr. Kumar also evaluates the donor site where the fragment originated to determine if additional treatment such as microfracture or cartilage transplantation is needed. The surgery addresses both the immediate mechanical symptoms and helps prevent long-term cartilage damage. Loose bodies act like sandpaper within the joint, grinding against cartilage surfaces with every movement and accelerating degenerative changes. They can also get caught between joint surfaces, causing sudden painful locking episodes that prevent normal motion. By removing these fragments early, Dr. Kumar helps preserve joint cartilage and prevent progression to arthritis. The arthroscopic approach allows thorough joint inspection while minimizing surgical trauma to surrounding tissues. Patients typically experience immediate relief from mechanical symptoms like locking and catching following loose body removal. Pain and swelling improve rapidly, and most patients can return to normal activities within 4-8 weeks depending on the extent of associated cartilage damage and any concurrent procedures performed. Recovery is generally faster when loose bodies are removed early before they cause significant cartilage wear. Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and strengthening muscles to protect the joint. At Arthoscenter, Dr. Kumar achieves excellent results with arthroscopic loose body removal, with over 90% of patients experiencing complete resolution of mechanical symptoms. The minimally invasive approach offers advantages of reduced post-operative pain, faster recovery, earlier return to activities, and better cosmetic results compared to open surgery. Outcomes are best in younger patients without significant arthritis who undergo early treatment. Dr. Kumar's systematic arthroscopic technique ensures thorough removal of all fragments while addressing underlying causes to prevent recurrence.