Fabella Fracture as a Sentinel Sign of Underlying Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear: A Rare Clinical Association

The fabella is a sesamoid bone located in the posterolateral aspect of the knee. Fabella fractures are rare and may be overlooked in patients presenting with posterolateral knee pain. The identification of a fabella fracture on radiographs may suggest underlying soft tissue injury requiring further evaluation. We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient who sustained a fabella fracture following a twisting sports-related knee injury, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealing an associated complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The patient was managed conservatively with physiotherapy and planned for ACL reconstruction. This case highlights the importance of fabella fractures as a potential indicator for underlying knee injuries. Early identification and advanced imaging are essential for accurate diagnosis and proper management.