Ok, found this link which may be helpful: http://home.earthlink.net/~tiggerpoz/id15.html It's a dog site but this part is about humans....but they are using it to point out that, in the absence of other symptoms, a human would not get surgery with popping or cracking being the only symptom.
Patient Guide to Joint Cracking and Popping
Edward G. McFarland, M.D.
Andrew Cosgarea, M.D.
Brian J. Krabak, M.D.
Is cracking and popping of joints normal?
Cracking and popping of joints is usually normal and most of the time is nothing to be concerned about. Strangely enough the exact reason joints pop and snap is not totally understood. One theory is that the ligaments (tethers that hold the bones together) make these noises as they get tight rapidly when the joint is moving. In some instances, popping may be due to a tendon snapping over or around the joint. Another theory is that nitrogen bubbles in the fluid inside the joint are rapidly brought into or out of solution when the joint is manipulated, such as cracking the knuckles in the hand. These noises with movement of a joint, particularly the knee, may sound like folding stiff paper, and are called "crepitus". These noises are increased frequently after surgery on a joint, although the exact reason is not clear. |