The Prevalence of Fabella and Its Association With Osteoarthritic Severity of Knee in Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter Study

TL;DR

This study explores the prevalence of the fabella bone in Saudi Arabia and its potential link to knee osteoarthritis severity.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into fabella prevalence and its association with knee osteoarthritis in a Saudi population.

Findings

Fabella was present in 27.6% of participants, with 39.6% of those showing degenerative changes.

No significant associations were found between fabella presence and OA severity or demographic factors.

A marginal trend of increased fabellar degeneration with higher OA grades was observed.

Abstract

Introduction: The fabella exhibits variable prevalence across populations and is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Limited research exists on fabella-related studies, particularly in Saudi Arabia, necessitating further investigation to understand its prevalence and association with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, reviewing knee X-rays of patients diagnosed with knee OA. Statistical analysis assessed potential associations between fabella presence, demographic factors, and OA severity using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification.

Results: Among 348 participants, 96 (27.6%) exhibited fabella presence, with 38 (39.6%) of them showing fabellar degenerative changes. No significant associations were found between fabella presence and gender, age, knee side, or OA severity, except for a marginal trend in age groups. However, there was an increasing trend in fabellar degeneration with advancing OA grades.

Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the importance of investigating fabella prevalence and its associations with knee OA in diverse populations. While no significant correlations were found in this cohort, the findings prompt further exploration, emphasizing the need for multicenter studies to enhance understanding and clinical management of fabella-related conditions in knee OA.

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