Chondromalacia of the fabella: a case report

A 46-year-old man suffered from chondromalacia of the fabella after minor trauma to the back of the knee. The condition was misdiagnosed initially as fasciitis, tendinitis, a Baker's cyst and a herniated lumbar intervertebral disc. Pathognomonic signs were pain behind the lateral femoral condyle on palpation and compression of the fabella and also on passive extension of the knee. Conservative management was unsuccessful. Excision of the fabella gave quick and lasting relief.