Robert BurkeBone Chip in the Knee – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Explained
The knee joint is a remarkable system of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that allow for strength, stability, and mobility. When a bone chip (loose body) forms within the knee, it can lead to pain, swelling, and a sense of instability.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, serving Houston, Pearland, and Southeast Texas, our focus is helping patients identify the cause of knee pain early and receive safe, effective, and personalized treatment options.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Bone Chip in the Knee?
A bone chip often causes:
- Sharp or localized pain
- Swelling and tenderness around the knee
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations
- Limited motion or stiffness
- A feeling of instability while standing or walking
Pain may start as sharp and intermittent, then develop into a dull ache that worsens with activity or pressure.
💡 Related Reading: Knee Osteoarthritis – Understanding Early Degeneration ➜
How Does Knee Pain From a Bone Chip Feel?
Many patients describe the pain as:
- Sharp or stabbing during motion
- Dull or throbbing at rest
- Similar to a minor fracture sensation
- Worsened when climbing stairs or squatting
The discomfort may come and go, often depending on whether the loose fragment becomes trapped between the joint surfaces.
What Causes Clicking or Locking in the Knee?
A loose bone chip may interfere with the smooth motion of the knee joint.
When the fragment moves inside the joint, it can:
- Catch between cartilage surfaces
- Cause popping or clicking sounds
- Temporarily “lock” the knee during bending or straightening
These mechanical symptoms suggest that the joint’s normal motion is being disrupted.
Why Does Swelling and Instability Occur?
Swelling happens as part of the body’s inflammatory response. The joint may fill with synovial fluid, leading to stiffness and a sense of pressure.
Instability occurs because the loose fragment can disturb the knee’s balance and motion, sometimes mimicking a ligament injury.
When Do Bone Chip Symptoms Become Serious?
You should seek evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent pain for more than two weeks
- Locking or catching sensations
- Inability to bear weight
- Worsening swelling or stiffness
When rest, ice, and home care (R.I.C.E.) fail to relieve symptoms, it’s time for professional assessment.
📞 Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment ➜ for a same-day evaluation.
What Causes Bone Chips in the Knee?
Bone chips can form from:
- Trauma or impact injuries (sports collisions, falls)
- Repetitive stress on the joint
- Degenerative changes (like osteoarthritis)
- Osteochondritis dissecans — loss of bone blood supply causing small fragments to separate
High-impact sports such as basketball, soccer, and running carry higher risk.
💡 Explore More: Sports-Related Knee Injuries ➜
How Is a Bone Chip Diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis requires both clinical examination and imaging.
Physical Examination
- Checks for swelling, tenderness, and movement limitation
- Identifies clicking or locking
- Rules out ligament or meniscus damage
Imaging Tests
- X-rays: Detect visible bone fragments or spurs
- MRI scans: Show smaller chips, cartilage, and soft tissue details
- CT scans: Provide detailed 3D images for surgical planning
Arthroscopy
In some cases, a minimally invasive camera procedure (arthroscopy) is used to confirm and possibly remove the loose fragment during the same session.
Treatment Options for a Bone Chip in the Knee
Treatment depends on the chip’s size, location, and impact on movement.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (R.I.C.E.)
- Anti-inflammatory medication for short-term relief
- Knee braces or supports to stabilize movement
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility
Arthroscopic Removal
If symptoms persist, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended.
This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions to locate and remove the bone chip, often resulting in:
- Shorter recovery times
- Minimal scarring
- Quick return to activity
💡 Learn More: Knee Arthroscopy at Dr. Burke Orthopedics ➜
Recovery After a Bone Chip Injury
Expected Recovery Time
- Conservative care: 4–8 weeks
- Post-arthroscopy: 6–12 weeks for full recovery
Rehabilitation Exercises
Physical therapy focuses on:
- Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings
- Improving flexibility and joint stability
- Gradual return to normal movement
Return to Sports
Low-impact activity can usually resume within 6–8 weeks, while higher-impact sports require physician clearance.
💡 Rehabilitation Support: Physical Therapy for Knee Recovery ➜
Preventing Bone Chips and Knee Injuries
Warm-Up & Conditioning
- Gentle stretching before activity
- Strengthening leg muscles for joint stability
- Balance and proprioception exercises
Protective Gear
- Use of knee braces or pads during sports
- Proper footwear for cushioning and support
Lifestyle Tips
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet
- Engage in low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor
Seek medical care if you experience:
- Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Clicking, catching, or locking that limits motion
- Pain after trauma or sports injury
- Numbness or tingling around the knee
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our team provides expert diagnosis, same-day imaging, and both conservative and minimally invasive options to restore knee function safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a bone chip heal on its own?
Small fragments may improve with rest, ice, and physical therapy, but persistent mechanical symptoms often require removal.
Q: How effective is physical therapy?
Structured physical therapy helps strengthen the knee, reduce inflammation, and prevent recurrence.
Q: What are long-term risks if untreated?
Untreated bone chips can cause chronic pain, limited motion, and eventual cartilage wear or arthritis.
Q: Are bone chips common in athletes?
Yes. Sports involving twisting, jumping, or sudden stops often increase the risk.
Final Thoughts
Bone chips in the knee can cause sharp pain, swelling, and mechanical issues like locking or instability. With accurate diagnosis and modern treatment options—from conservative care to arthroscopic procedures—most patients recover motion and stability successfully.
A proactive approach that includes preventive training, early evaluation, and guided rehabilitation helps ensure long-term joint health.
📞 Schedule an evaluation today: (713) 436-3488
Request an Appointment Online ➜
Disclaimer
All information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.
Dr. Burke Orthopedics provides evidence-based orthopedic and regenerative care under FDA-cleared standards and does not advertise or sell biologic or prescription drug products.