Fabella

Fabella is a small sesamoid bone found in some mammals embedded in the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle behind the lateral condyle of the femur. It is a variant of normal anatomy and not commonly seen in all individuals.

Anatomy

The fabella is a sesamoid bone, a type of bone that is embedded within a tendon or a muscle. It is located in the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle, behind the lateral condyle of the femur. The fabella can vary in size and shape, and may be present in one or both knees.

Function

The exact function of the fabella is not well understood. It is thought to increase the mechanical advantage of the gastrocnemius muscle, similar to other sesamoid bones. However, its small size and variable presence suggest that it may not have a significant function in humans.

Clinical significance

The fabella can sometimes cause pain and discomfort, especially if it is large or abnormally positioned. This condition is known as fabella syndrome. It can also complicate knee surgery, as it can be mistaken for a loose body or a foreign object in the knee joint.

Epidemiology

The prevalence of the fabella varies widely among different populations. It is more common in older individuals and in those of Asian descent.

History

The fabella was first described in the medical literature in the 19th century. However, it has been known to anatomists for much longer, as it is a common feature in many mammals.

See also

• Sesamoid bone
• Gastrocnemius muscle
• Femur
• Fabella syndrome

References

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External links

• Fabella at WikiMD

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  Fabella