Fabella

The fabella is a sesamoid bone or cartilage, sometimes found within the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In some cases, it may articulate with the lateral condyle of the femur. It is more commonly observed in the Asian population.

Fabella pain syndrome can present as posterior-lateral knee pain. Possible causes include compression and nerve damage caused by the presence of the fabella, as well as entrapment and restricted blood flow in the popliteal artery due to repeated trauma from the sesamoid bone. Treatment options may involve physical therapy, conservative pain management using analgesics and steroids, or even surgical removal of the fabella (fabellectomy).