DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.26.00149 ISSN: 2160-3251
Fabella Syndrome Following Arthroscopic Lateral Meniscectomy with Serial Imaging Findings
Shio Hirakata, Masaya Hayashi, Hideya YoshimuraCase:
A 54-year-old woman developed persistent posterolateral knee pain 1 year after arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy. Serial magnetic resonance imaging obtained before each surgical intervention retrospectively demonstrated progressive enlargement of the fabella. Arthroscopy confirmed impingement between the fabella and the lateral femoral condyle. All-arthroscopic fabellectomy resulted in immediate symptom relief, with no recurrence at the 2-year follow-up.
Conclusion:
This case highlights a potential relationship between altered load distribution after meniscectomy and progressive fabellar hypertrophy. Fabella syndrome should be considered in patients with persistent posterolateral knee pain after meniscectomy.