

Most loose bodies in the shoulder can be easily detected with an X-ray, though an MRI or CT scan may be needed to locate less conspicuous objects. As these symptoms progress, patients may experience a sense of instability in the shoulder.ĭIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF LOOSE BODIES IN THE SHOULDER Diagnosis In most cases, however, loose bodies eventually cause moderate to severe pain in the shoulder, as well as a catching or locking sensation. Many patients with loose bodies in the shoulder experience no symptoms whatsoever and are unaware of the condition. In addition, restricted circulation to the joint can cause a piece of the surrounding bones, cartilage, or soft tissue to separate. Trauma and sports injuries can also dislodge fragments of bone or cartilage. Loose bodies in the shoulder are a common consequence of the gradual degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint. WHAT CAUSES LOOSE BODIES IN THE SHOULDER? These loose bodies in the shoulder can cause the joint to catch and lock, causing significant pain and greatly restricting the shoulder’s range of motion. Surgery typically involves removal of the os trigonum, as this extra bone is not necessary for normal foot function.Pieces of dislodged bone or cartilage can be trapped in the synovium, the thin membrane surrounding the shoulder joint. However, in some patients, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms. Most patients’ symptoms improve with nonsurgical treatment. Sometimes cortisone is injected into the area to reduce the inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation. Do not put ice directly against the skin. Swelling is decreased by applying a bag of ice covered with a thin towel to the affected area. A walking boot is often used to restrict ankle motion and to allow the injured tissue to heal. It is important to stay off the injured foot to let the inflammation subside. Relief of the symptoms is often achieved through treatments that can include a combination of the following: After the foot and ankle are examined, x-rays or other imaging tests are often ordered to assist in making the diagnosis. Diagnosis of os trigonum syndrome begins with questions from the doctor about the development of symptoms. Os trigonum syndrome can mimic other conditions, such as an Achilles tendon injury, ankle sprain or talus fracture. Deep, aching pain in the back of the ankle, occurring mostly when pushing off on the big toe (as in walking) or when pointing the toes downward.The signs and symptoms of os trigonum syndrome may include:


As the os trigonum pulls loose, the tissue connecting it to the talus is stretched or torn and the area becomes inflamed. The syndrome is also frequently caused by repeated downward pointing of the toes, which is common among ballet dancers, soccer players and other athletes.įor the person who has an os trigonum, pointing the toes downward can result in a “nutcracker injury.” Like an almond in a nutcracker, the os trigonum is crunched between the ankle and heel bones. Os trigonum syndrome is usually triggered by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. However, some people with this extra bone develop a painful condition known as os trigonum syndrome. Often, people do not know they have an os trigonum if it has not caused any problems. Only a small number of people have this extra bone. It becomes evident during adolescence when one area of the talus does not fuse with the rest of the bone, creating a small extra bone. The presence of an os trigonum in one or both feet is congenital (present at birth). It is connected to the talus by a fibrous band. The os trigonum is an extra (accessory) bone that sometimes develops behind the ankle bone (talus). Os Trigonum Syndrome What Is the Os Trigonum? Please enable Javascript in your browser. Javascript is required to view the content on this page.
