FABELLA Meaning and
Definition
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Fabella is a medical term that refers to a small, sesamoid bone found in the knee joint. Derived from the Latin word "fabella," meaning little bean, the fabella is also known as the "little knee bone." It is a round or oval-shaped bone, typically measuring a few millimeters in diameter, located behind the lateral femoral condyle, within the tendons of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Not every individual possesses a fabella, as its occurrence varies across populations and is seen more frequently in certain ethnic groups. Some individuals may have a fabella in one knee but not in the other, while others may have bilaterally present fabellae. Despite its small size, the fabella can sometimes cause discomfort and may contribute to a condition called fabella syndrome. Fabella syndrome occurs when the small bone becomes irritated or compressed due to factors such as trauma, repetitive use, or degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Since the fabella is not essential for normal knee function, its removal through surgical excision is a treatment option for individuals experiencing symptoms related to the fabella. However, it is important to note that removal of the fabella may not always lead to complete resolution of symptoms, and the decision to proceed with surgery should be carefully considered based on the individual's specific circumstances and medical advice.
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One of two small fibrocartilages or sesamoid bones in the tendons of the gastrocnemius muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FABELLA
- dabella
- vabella
- tabella
- rabella
- fzbella
- fsbella
- fwbella
- fqbella
- favella
- fahella
- fagella
- fabwlla
- fabslla
- fabdlla
- fabrlla
- fab4lla
- fab3lla
- fabekla
- fabepla
Etymology of FABELLA
The etymology of the word "fabella" traces back to Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "fabula", which means "a story" or "a tale". The word "fabella" itself means "little story" or "little tale" in Latin.
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