The Fabella: the forgotten bone in the knee.
The human skeleton consists of 206 bones, but due to anatomical variations, this number may vary slightly in some people. For example, some people have extra sesamoid bones, while others have an extra vertebra or just one less vertebra. The tailbone can also vary, consisting of three or four caudal vertebrae. These small differences show that sometimes the human body can be just a little different from the standard. A very clear example of this is the plantaris. This is a muscle in the lower leg that is no longer present in many people due to adaptations in evolution. This muscle was once useful for functions such as climbing, but is largely obsolete today. As a result, it is often missing without any impact on daily functioning. This is an example of how our bodies have adapted to changing needs. In this blog, we are going to talk about the Fabella. The Fabella is a small, almost forgotten bone. Although it may sound like a medical conundrum, fortunately there are effective solutions for when the fabella causes problems-and for that you can turn to Physio Fitaal in Tilburg.
What is the Fabella?
The fabella is a small, pear-shaped bone that can be located in the back of the knee, hidden in the tendons. Although it is not a standard part of human anatomy, a significant percentage of people appear to walk around with it. In rare cases, there may be two or even three of these bones, known as fabella bi- or tripartita. Sometimes the fabella can be mistaken for a loose piece of bone or an osteophyte. The name "fabella" comes from Latin and means "little bean," referring to its shape.Think of the fabella as a kind of extra that has been hiding in the course of evolution. The exact function of this little bone is a mystery; possibly it helps with stability or strength, as it does in some animals, but for most humans it doesn't do much.Â
Until then it does become noticeable and then this is usually in the form of pain or irritation. This happens, for example, in people who do a lot of sports or have other repetitive loads in the knee. Indeed, in such cases, the fabella can put pressure on surrounding muscles and tendons. So in some cases, this can result in knee pain.Â
Knipe H, Bell D, Tan W, et al. Fabella. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 09 Oct 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-22122
Why the fabella can cause knee problems
The fabella itself is usually not a problem until it begins to irritate because it takes up space and causes irritation to surrounding structures. This can cause pain with specific movements such as stretching the knee. Often this pain comes on quite suddenly and there does not seem to be an obvious cause immediately. Therefore, for some people, it can feel like acute knee pain. Fortunately, however, there is a good explanation for this discomfort.
Diagnosis of knee pain at Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg
If you are experiencing knee pain and the cause is unclear, it may be helpful to have an ultrasound of the knee. This imaging technique can help get a clearer picture of the structures in your knee, such as the fabella. Based on this ultrasound, a specialist can determine if the fabella is the source of your symptoms, or if something else is at play.
After consultation with the specialist and a diagnosis, the physical therapist in Tilburg to create a treatment plan specific to your situation. This treatment plan, as mentioned earlier, will include mobilization exercises and muscle strengthening to reduce the pressure on the fabella. In addition, targeted advice will be given to prevent further irritation, which is important for quick and effective pain-free movement.
An ultrasound combined with specialist consultation will ensure that the cause of your knee pain can be accurately identified, which is essential to establishing an effective treatment plan. Feel free to contact with us for more information.
Specialized physiotherapy
If you have knee problems, Fysio Fitaal is the right place for professional care. The physiotherapists here have extensive experience with a variety of knee problems, but certainly also with the lesser-known problems such as knee problems caused by the fabella. We understand the complexity of the knee joint and tailor their treatment entirely to your situation. Whether you play intensive sports or just want to be able to climb the stairs without pain, there is always an appropriate solution. All this ensures that you recover faster and can move your knee pain-free again.
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