Fabella Syndrome: Our bodies are complex machines with many intricate parts that serve specific purposes. However, there are also a few elements (bones, tissues, and more) that may not serve a specific function; they are called sesamoid bones. For example, the ‘Fabella’ is a small, non-essential bone located behind the knee joint. In a few cases, it begins to cause rubbing on the surrounding tissues, causing pain and inflammation.

Fabella syndrome is not a common condition because the ‘Fabella’ is not usually present in everyone. Only about 20% of people have this non-essential bone, and they may suffer from this risk. What starts as pain and inflammation, when not treated, may graduate into tenderness, stiffness, clicking, and catching (when bending the knee).

Fabella Syndrome – A Rare yet Painful Knee Condition

“At our orthopedic clinic in Mumbai, treat cases of Fabella syndrome. Patients usually ignore this pain and wait until the symptoms worsen and complications develop, which can delay recovery after treatment,” says top orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Chirag Patel. So, it always helps to improve awareness about this rare yet painful condition before it may strike.

With Dr. Patel’s insights, this blog helps you understand Fabella Syndrome, its symptoms, complications, and treatment options.

What is Fabella Syndrome? How does It Feel Like?

Fabella Syndrome is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by growing pain in the outer back of the knee caused by the “fabella bone” present in the same vicinity. Imagine a sudden dull ache behind the knee when you are walking, running, jumping, or playing a sport – this could be a symptom of Fabella Syndrome (it usually is, given one does not have any other knee problems).

Symptoms and Complications of Fabella Syndrome:

This dull pain is the first stage of Fabella Syndrome. Over time, this dull pain can become more frequent and get worse, spreading behind the knee and becoming sharper. The area behind the knee can become tender and sensitive. The irritation can make your knee feel tight and stiff when straightening or bending. In a few cases, patients also feel catching or clicking in the knee, particularly when moving the leg.

“Fabella Syndrome is not a major knee condition. But without the right treatment, it can worsen, further complicating the case,” says orthopedic specialist in Mumbai, Dr. Chirag Patel. “The pain may become chronic and persistently impact daily activity and mobility. As the fabella sits close to the meniscus, it gets constantly rubbed, which causes additional pain and limits the range of motion, eventually damaging the meniscus. The continuous ongoing stress may also increase the risk of osteoarthritis in adults,” adds Dr. Chirag Patel.

Treatment for Fabella Syndrome in Mumbai:

In early stages, knee sedation, RICE therapy, medication, and physical therapy are common non-surgical approaches to mild cases. Only when these approaches fail to provide adequate relief is surgery recommended. “A relatively regular condition, Fabella  can be easily addressed and treated with a variety of approaches. Early intervention becomes key in managing this condition effectively,” says Fabella Syndrome specialist and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Chirag Patel. If you are suffering from sudden and unexplained pain in the back of the knee, we recommend you consult an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. If you are in Mumbai, you can contact Dr. Chirag Patel here.