A Comprehensive Review of the Fabella Bone.

Authors

Dominic Dalip
Joe Iwanaga
Rod J Oskouian, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, USA.Follow
R Shane Tubbs

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-5-2018

Publication Title

Cureus

Keywords

anatomy; fabellectomy; femoral condyle; gastrocnemius; knee pain; sesamoid; shock wave therapy; variations

Abstract

The fabella is a sesamoid bone that is embedded in the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle and often articulates directly with the lateral femoral condyle. It is present in 10-30% of the general population with a higher incidence in Asians. The fabella can lead to various pathologies such as fabella pain syndrome and common fibular nerve palsy. Conservative treatment involves physical therapy or injecting local anesthetics or steroids around this bone. However, if symptoms persist, then a fabellectomy can be performed. Physicians should be aware of the fabella bone and the multiple pathologies associated with it in order to provide the best treatment and management for patients.

Clinical Institute

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Department

Neurosciences

Department

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Recommended Citation

Dalip, Dominic; Iwanaga, Joe; Oskouian, Rod J; and Tubbs, R Shane, "A Comprehensive Review of the Fabella Bone." (2018). Articles, Abstracts, and Reports. 622.
https://digitalcommons.providence.org/publications/622