Bilateral fabella in the mummy of the Blessed Jean Bassand (c. 1360–1445): A unique description in ancient human remains

Objectives: We report an ancient case of bilateral fabella, diagnosed in the mummified body of the Blessed Jean Bassand, dating back to the 15th century. Materials and Methods: The mummy belonged to an elderly subject and underwent canonical recognition by external inspection, digital radioscopic and X-ray examina- tion and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Results: Plain films, CT scans and visual inspection displayed two bilateral, discrete, rounded osseous structures with regular cortical profile, projecting in the posterosuperior aspect of the lateral femoral condyles. Based on the location and anatomical features, the structures were identified as fabellae. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first description of fabella in ancient human remains, as well as the most ancient documented report of this sesamoid bone in human history, dating back the condition to the 15th century.