The fabella is a small sesamoid bone found behind the knee. It is embedded within the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Key Features of the Fabella
Here's a breakdown of what makes the fabella unique:
- Sesamoid Bone: A sesamoid bone is a bone embedded within a tendon or muscle. Other examples include the patella (kneecap).
- Location: Specifically, the fabella is located in the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle, one of the major calf muscles.
- Articulation: It often articulates, or forms a joint, with the lateral femoral condyle, a part of the femur (thigh bone).
Prevalence
The fabella is not present in everyone.
- General Population: It's found in 10-30% of the general population.
- Higher Incidence in Asians: There is a higher rate of presence in individuals of Asian descent.
Fabella Details in Table Form
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Sesamoid bone |
| Location | Embedded in the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle |
| Articulation | Often articulates directly with the lateral femoral condyle |
| Prevalence | 10-30% of the general population, with higher incidence in Asians |
Additional Insights
- The fabella is often considered a normal anatomical variant, meaning its presence or absence isn't necessarily a sign of a problem.
- While generally benign, in rare cases, it can be associated with pain or discomfort, known as fabella syndrome.
