Abstract

Fabella Syndrome is a rare cause of posterolateral knee pain caused by mechanical irritation or compression of the fabella, a sesamoid bone within the tendon of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a one-year history of posterolateral knee pain, unresponsive to medication and physiotherapy. The pain, exacerbated by stair use, localized to the fabella region and was reproduced during ultrasound examination, which also identified the fabella. An ultrasound-guided injection with corticosteroids and local anesthetics provided immediate and sustained symptom relief, confirmed at the onemonth follow-up. Radiographs revealed mild degenerative changes and a flattened fabella. This case highlights the importance of considering Fabella Syndrome in the differential diagnosis of posterolateral knee pain and demonstrates the value of ultrasound for diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, offering significant symptom relief and improved quality of life.

Keywords

fabella syndrome, physical medicine, knee pain