Fabella bone with relative clinical syndrome implications: A comprehensive literature review

The fabella is a sesamoid bone, meaning 'little bean' in Latin, which ranges from 10 to 30 mm in size. Located posterior to the knee joint, its existence is rare and considered an anatomical variation, although its roots and functions remain unclear. Recently, however, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that the fabella is becoming more familiar in Asia and South Africa, particularly in certain populations. Its existence is associated with significant knee pain syndromes, and it may fracture, causing pain. The fabella can categorically cause knee osteoarthritis, especially in cases of uncommon conditions accompanied by pathology and anatomical variations. It is highly recommended that surgeons be alerted to the fabella and keenly assess, examine, and manage any cause of knee pain or injury. This review aims to address this knowledge gap."