A small bone more common in clients with arthritis is making a comeback, according to an article published in the Journal of Anatomy.
The fabella is a small independent bone located behind the lateral femoral condyle that is common in non-human mammals. It is absent in many humans who have lost the bone through evolution.
However, a recent systematic review examining medical literature over the past 150 years has found an increase in its prevalence. The findings show that the fabella is now three times more common than it was 100 years ago and is present in 39% of people.
Scientists believe that this increase could coincide with the global increase in human weight and height due to improved nutrition over the past century. Increased weight and height leads to larger calf muscles and longer shinbones, putting more pressure on the knee, and in turn leading to the formation of the fabella.
