Fabella Syndrome: hidden culprit of knee pain
- International Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Journal
-
Sara Caldas Afonso,1 Nuno Caria Ramalhão,1 Marta Moreira da Silva,1 Ana Carvalheiro,1 João Gomes,2 Rui Prado Costa2
PDF Full Text
Abstract
Fabella Syndrome is a rare cause of posterolateral knee pain caused by mechanical irritation or compression of the fabella, a sesamoid bone within the tendon of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a one-year history of posterolateral knee pain, unresponsive to medication and physiotherapy. The pain, exacerbated by stair use, localized to the fabella region and was reproduced during ultrasound examination, which also identified the fabella. An ultrasound-guided injection with corticosteroids and local anesthetics provided immediate and sustained symptom relief, confirmed at the onemonth follow-up. Radiographs revealed mild degenerative changes and a flattened fabella. This case highlights the importance of considering Fabella Syndrome in the differential diagnosis of posterolateral knee pain and demonstrates the value of ultrasound for diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, offering significant symptom relief and improved quality of life.
Keywords
fabella syndrome, physical medicine, knee pain