Fabella fracture: An uncommon cause of posterolateral knee pain: Case report

Abstract

The fabella is a sesamoid bone located at the femoral insertion of the gastrocnemius’ lateral head. Fractures of the fabella are rare and difficult lesions to diagnose and often missed on radiographic assessments. A 27-year-old male was presented to the emergency department with pain and swelling on the posterolateral face of the left knee. A displaced fracture of the fabella was identified on a lateral radiograph. Fabella related conditions, especially fractures, can be easily underdiagnosed and are a possible cause of severe pain in the posterior and posterolateral region of the knee.