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Articulated mouse

Free joint mouse – Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OD)

A joint mouse is a free body in the joint that can lead to serious discomfort. Thus, normal mobility may be restricted if the joint body blocks movement. In addition, pain accompanies the appearance of joint mice, which is why rapid and targeted treatment is important. Joint mouse can occur in almost any joint, but often shows up in the elbow or ankle.

At the Orthopaedic Center Munich East (OZMO), our specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostics and optimized therapies to quickly identify and treat a joint mouse as the cause of your complaints. Feel free to contact us for your appointment with our specialists at the OZMO Orthopedic Center in Munich.

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The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

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Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost - Ellenbogen - Erkrankungen

Inhaltsverzeichnis:

Was ist eine “freie Gelenkmaus”?

Symptome einer Gelenkmaus
Ursachen einer Gelenkmaus

Diagnostik bei Verdacht auf eine Gelenkmaus
Orthopädische Behandlung bei Auftreten einer Gelenkmaus
Behandlung einer Gelenkmaus und ihren Folgen im Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost

What is a free articulated mouse?

A joint mouse or dissekat is a piece of tissue inside a joint that moves freely. It is not connected to the surrounding tissue, however, it is usually a component or deposit that has become detached from that tissue. Thus, the articular mouse may be a small piece of bone, cartilage tissue, or similar structure. If a joint mouse occurs in the context of osteochondrosis dissecans, it is a rejected piece of tissue due to bone necrosis.

The joint mouse can move freely in the joint fluid, but thus also restrict normal movement if it becomes lodged as a blockage in the joint space or irritates the surrounding tissue. Treatment is therefore essential to prevent pain and restricted movement as well as further damage to the joint.

Symptoms of a joint mouse

The typical symptoms of a joint mouse include acute pain and swelling of the joint, which is caused by a persistent irritation of the dissect on the surrounding tissue. Sudden blockages can also occur if the joint mouse becomes jammed in the joint body. Movement is no longer possible in these rather rare cases, but severe pain occurs and the patient clearly feels the blockage.

Causes of a joint mouse

In osteochondrosis dissecans, the cause of the joint mouse is a circulatory disturbance of small cartilage-bone areas in the joints. If these are not recognized and treated in time, the area may die and detach, which then becomes a “joint mouse”. However, continuous sporting activity and/or incorrect loading, as well as injuries from accidents, can also cause small fragments to detach from the tissue in the case of cartilage damage and give rise to the joint mouse. High-quality diagnostics and prompt treatment are instrumental in avoiding consequences such as long-term and permanent joint damage that can result from joint mice.

Diagnostics for suspected articular mice

If the occurrence of the typical symptoms raises suspicion of a joint mouse, careful diagnostics can provide information about the joint situation. The orthopedic specialist will then take a history and perform a physical examination. Subsequently, specific information can be obtained via imaging techniques. Usually an X-ray examination a CT or an MRI is used.

The imaging procedure can clearly identify the size of the joint mouse, the number of fragments and their exact location in the affected joint. Afterwards, the orthopedic specialist will discuss with you the goal-oriented treatments and their procedure, which in the case of a joint mouse is usually done via arthroscopic surgery.

Orthopedic treatment for the appearance of a joint mouse

When a joint mouse occurs, it is more than a nuisance factor that provides acute pain and limited range of motion. The free fragments must be removed specifically, as they can otherwise irritate the tissue and cause inflammation. Both the site where the free fragment was originally positioned can be damaged and the surrounding tissue that is damaged by the irritation. Depending on the type of joint mouse, it may be advisable to return the avulsed fragment to its original position for healing or to remove it and surgically close any gaps that have formed. The correct procedure will be explained to you by the orthopedic specialist after a personal examination.

Removal of the articular mouse is usually performed via a gentle, arthroscopic procedure. Only small incisions are necessary via arthroscopy, which heal correspondingly quickly. In many cases, the patient is largely free of symptoms again immediately after the procedure, as the blockage no longer exists and new irritations are ruled out. After inflammation and swelling have subsided, pain is usually no longer active. If the operation is successful, physiotherapy is used at an early stage to promote renewed movement and loading of the joint.

More extensive surgery with surgical filling of gaps or healing of the fragment in its original position may require several weeks of decompression before mobilization via physical therapy and other measures.

Treatment of a joint mouse and its consequences in the Orthopedic Center Munich East

Do you have a joint mouse and are looking for an arthroscopic surgery specialist for a quick recovery? Or do you still suspect osteochondrosis dissecans and need careful diagnostics with competent treatment from a single source? At the Orthopaedic Center Munich East (OZMO), we have three experienced orthopaedic specialists at your disposal who, with their extensive experience, can also help you with complex diseases of the joints and the musculoskeletal system.

Our well-equipped practice saves you a lot of time, as we can perform necessary imaging procedures directly on site. Short distances and close cooperation with colleagues for cross-disciplinary treatments are the order of the day for us, as is the offer of a professional second opinion on your health situation.

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