What is fabella syndrome?
Fabella Syndrome Introduction Fabella Syndrome is a rare but clinically significant condition characterized by posterolateral knee pain associated with the presence of a small sesamoid bone called the fabella . This bone is located in the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle , near the posterolateral femoral condyle. Although the fabella is present in approximately 10–30% of the population, in most individuals it is asymptomatic. However, in some cases, it becomes a source of pain, particularly in active individuals or following knee trauma or surgery. Fabella Syndrome is often overlooked, making clinical awareness essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Anatomy and Location of the Fabella The fabella is a sesamoid bone embedded within the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. It articulates with the lateral femoral condyle and lies posterior to the knee joint. While it is more commonly ossified in some individuals, in others, it remains ca...