Snapping knee caused by symptomatic fabella in a native knee
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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

A Mini-Invasive Internal Fixation Technique for Studying Immobilization-Induced Knee Flexion Contracture in Rats
Published on: May 20, 2019
Justin M Hire1, David L Oliver, Ryan C Hubbard
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA. justin.m.hire.mil@mail.mil.
Abstract:
We report a case of a 31-year-old man with a 5-year history of snapping knee syndrome secondary to a single, large symptomatic fabella of the knee. On physical examination, the patient was able to reproduce an audible and palpable snapping with active range of motion. His condition was refractory to physical therapy. He had undergone a prior iliotibial band release at an outside facility. After excision of the fabella, measuring 15 × 8 × 9 mm, the patient's snapping and pain with activity were resolved.
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