J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2007 Dec;42(6):832-835. 10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.6.832.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Fabella Impingement Syndrome after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

• Jung UH
• Chun CW
• Park CS
• Byun JH
• Ha YC

• KMID: 1947793
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.6.832

Abstract

Fabella impingement syndrome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare condition. However, the location of the inserted prosthesis and the size of the fabella are considered major causative factors. Thus far, a conventional surgical excision of the impinged fabella is recommended treatment for the impingement. A 72-year-old woman was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the knee. She complained of fabella impingement due to an incompletely excised bony spur behind the posterolateral femoral prosthesis after TKA. The fabella and remaining bony spur were removed using an arthroscopic procedure. The impingement has not recurred and the range of motion (ROM) of the knee was improved after a 12 months follow-up. Arthroscopic surgery might be an alternative treatment for fabella impingement after TKA.

Keyword

Fabella impingement syndrome; Total knee arthroplasty; Arthroscpic treatment

MeSH Terms

Aged
Arthroplasty*
Arthroscopy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Knee*
Osteoarthritis
Prostheses and Implants
Range of Motion, Articular

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Preoperative radiography of the osteoarthritic both knee. Note the degenerative hypertrophic fabella. (B) Postoperative radiograph of the left knee made at the time of the patient's readmission to the hospital. There is notching of the fabella and residual osteophyte of the left posterier femoral condyle.

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  Fig. 2 (A, B) Arthroscopic finding showed impingement of osteophyte and fabella through posteromedial portal view. (B) Arthroscopic view after arthroscopic debulking. 1, Fabella; 2, osteophyte; 3, lateral condyle of prosthesis.

• 

  Fig. 3 Radiographic finding at final follow-up shows that the fabella and osteophyte (arrow) was debulked.

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