The classic: On loose bodies in the joint. 1887

Abstract

This Classic Article is a translation of the original work by Franz König, "Ueber freie Körper in den Gelenken" [On loose bodies in the joint]. Dtsch Z Chir. 1887;27: 90-109. available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-013-2824-y (Translated by Drs. Richard A. Brand and Christian-Dominik Peterlein). An accompanying biographical sketch of F. König is available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-013-2823-z . A PDF of the original German is available as supplemental material. (ED Note: An attempt has been made to preserve some of the original wording while placing the material in a contemporary context. In some cases the author's original intent was obscure.).

Fig. 1

Elbow joint opened from the front with three loose bodies, one in the radial portion and two in the ulnar portion of the joint.

Fig. 2

Joint widely opened from the rear. A hazelnut-sized body in the posterior intercondylar fossa. A smaller one on the coronoid process of the ulna.

Fig. 3

Elbow joint opened from the lateral side. Two bodies in the anterior intercondylar fossa.