Arthroscopy of the elbow. Diagnosis and extraction of loose bodies.

Arthroscopy of the elbow was performed in 35 cases of suspected loose bodies. Loose bodies were found in 13 cases. Preoperative radiographs were falsely negative in two cases and falsely positive in 12. In ten cases arthroscopic removal was attempted; it succeeded in six cases. When no loose bodies were found, the most common diagnosis was degenerative joint disease. Arthroscopy is recommended for diagnosis and treatment of loose bodies in the elbow joint.