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Knee dysfunction secondary to dislocation of the fabella.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|September 1, 1987
Summary
The fabella, a small bone in the knee, can cause dysfunction when dislocated. This case report details a symptomatic dislocation of an enlarged fabella, a rare cause of knee pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The fabella is a sesamoid bone within the gastrocnemius muscle, present in 10-30% of the population.
- Fabellar lesions are documented, but often overlooked as a cause of knee dysfunction.
- Radiographically, the fabella can be mistaken for intra-articular ossified fragments.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male presented with knee dysfunction.
- The patient exhibited a symptomatic dislocation of an enlarged fabella.
- This presentation is rare and distinct from other known fabellar pathologies.
Findings:
- Symptomatic dislocation of an enlarged fabella was diagnosed.
- The patient's condition led to significant knee dysfunction.
- Literature review indicated no prior reports of disability linked to fabellar dislocation.
Implications:
- Highlights the fabella as a potential, though uncommon, source of knee pain and dysfunction.
- Suggests considering fabellar dislocation in differential diagnoses for knee issues.
- Underscores the need for thorough radiographic interpretation to avoid misdiagnosis.