PMC7375710_01
Radiographic findings. Mild osteophytes were found on the ulnar side of the basal phalanx and metacarpal head of the right middle finger during the initial visit (a). Although conservative therapy was effective, there were larger osteophytes and a small loose body (white arrow) at 3 years before surgery (b). An intra-articular loose body (c) was also observed within the inextensible metacarpophalangeal joint of the right middle finger and were removed under arthroscopy (d).
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DIP joint (Figure 1(a)). Due to a mild complaint (DASH score, 8), the patient received anti-inflammatory drug, resulting in pain relief. Furthermore, radiography indicated a bone tip from the ulnar side to the middle finger MCP joint and a growing osteophyte on the ulnar metacarpal head (Figure 1(c)). Radiography at 3 years after her first visit showed the presence of a small bone tip on the ulnar side of the metacarpal head (Figure 1(b)). Radiography after surgery indicated the disappearance of the loose body (Figure 1(d)).
Arthroscopic findings showed a loose body (*) in the ulnar and dorsal side within the metacarpophalangeal joint.
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This maneuver allowed us to visualize and remove the loose body within the joint (Figure 2), although the origin was not apparent.