A Study of Fabella

Sohn, Chi Dong; Yoon, Suk Woong; Kim, Yong Ju

Abstract

The fabella, a sesamoid bone that occasionally is found in humans on the gliding surface of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius, is a sign of an atavistjc pattern. The authors examined radiograph of knees of 817 patients for the presence of fabella and determined the incidence of fabella in traumatic patients as compared with non-traumatic patients with primary osteoarthrosis or vague pain in that knees. The results were as followes: l. 31.0% of 626 adult patients had at least a unilateral fabella. 2. There was no difference in the incidence of fabella according to sex (p<0.01). 3. The youngest boy showing the fabella was aged 12 years & 8 months, the youngest girl 15 years & 2 months. 4. 87.1% of the patients who had a fabella had one bilaterally. 5. Fabellae were more common in the patients with primary osteoarthrosis or vague pain in that knees. 6. It is our opinion that the presence of fabella is more important in the clinical aspect in Korea.