Intra-articular free bodies are fragments of bone, cartilage or other tissues that float around inside a joint, most commonly in the knee or elbow. They can occur as a result of trauma, joint degeneration or as a result of conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans.

Symptoms include joint pain, locking during movement, feeling unsteady, popping or limited mobility. These manifestations may occur intermittently, depending on the position of the bodies in the joint.

Treatment is the surgical removal of fragments, usually by arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure to clean the joint and restore normal function.