Knee bursae: Difference between revisions

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'''Knee bursae''' are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction and cushion pressure points between your bones and the tendons, muscles and skin near your joints. Each of your knees has 11 bursae. Although any of these bursae can become inflamed, knee bursitis most commonly occurs over the kneecap or on the inner side of your knee below the joint.
== Knee Bursae ==


== Anatomy ==
[[File:Knee_effusion,_annotated.jpg|thumb|right|Annotated image showing knee effusion, which can affect the bursae.]]


The knee joint is surrounded by a variety of [[bursae]]. These include:
The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and it contains several bursae that play a crucial role in its function. A [[bursa]] is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement.


* '''Prepatellar bursa''': Located between the skin and the patella. It reduces friction between the skin and the patella.
=== Anatomy of Knee Bursae ===
* '''Infrapatellar bursa''': Located beneath the patella, between the patella and the patellar ligament.
* '''Suprapatellar bursa''': Located above the patella, between the patella and the quadriceps femoris muscle.
* '''Pes anserine bursa''': Located on the inner side of the knee, between the tibia and the tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles.


== Function ==
The knee contains several important bursae, including:


The primary function of the knee bursae is to reduce friction between various tissues of the knee. They achieve this by providing a slippery, cushioning layer that allows tissues to glide over each other without causing damage.
* '''Prepatellar bursa''': Located between the skin and the patella, this bursa allows the skin to move freely over the patella.
* '''Infrapatellar bursa''': There are two infrapatellar bursae, the superficial and deep. The superficial infrapatellar bursa is located between the skin and the patellar tendon, while the deep infrapatellar bursa is located between the patellar tendon and the tibia.
* '''Suprapatellar bursa''': This bursa is located above the patella, between the femur and the quadriceps tendon.
* '''Pes anserine bursa''': Found on the medial side of the knee, this bursa is located between the pes anserinus tendons and the tibia.
* '''Semimembranosus bursa''': Located on the posterior aspect of the knee, this bursa lies between the semimembranosus tendon and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.


== Pathology ==
=== Function ===


Inflammation of the knee bursae is known as '''[[bursitis]]'''. This can occur due to a variety of causes, including trauma, overuse, infection, or underlying rheumatic conditions. Symptoms of bursitis can include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility of the knee.
The primary function of the knee bursae is to reduce friction and allow smooth movement of the knee joint. They facilitate the gliding of muscles and tendons over bony surfaces, which is essential for activities such as walking, running, and jumping.


== Treatment ==
=== Common Conditions ===


Treatment for knee bursitis typically involves rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In severe cases, the bursa may need to be drained or surgically removed.
Bursitis is a common condition affecting the knee bursae. It is the inflammation of a bursa, often caused by repetitive motion or trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited movement. The prepatellar bursa is commonly affected, leading to a condition known as "housemaid's knee."


== See also ==
Knee effusion, or "water on the knee," can also affect the bursae. It is characterized by an accumulation of excess fluid in or around the knee joint, which can lead to swelling and discomfort.
* [[Bursitis]]
* [[Knee pain]]
* [[Knee osteoarthritis]]


== References ==
== Related Pages ==


{{reflist}}
* [[Knee joint]]
 
* [[Bursitis]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
* [[Synovial fluid]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
* [[Patella]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
* [[Tendon]]


{{anatomy-stub}}
[[Category:Anatomy of the knee]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]

Latest revision as of 11:24, 15 February 2025

Knee Bursae[edit]

Annotated image showing knee effusion, which can affect the bursae.

The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and it contains several bursae that play a crucial role in its function. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement.

Anatomy of Knee Bursae[edit]

The knee contains several important bursae, including:

  • Prepatellar bursa: Located between the skin and the patella, this bursa allows the skin to move freely over the patella.
  • Infrapatellar bursa: There are two infrapatellar bursae, the superficial and deep. The superficial infrapatellar bursa is located between the skin and the patellar tendon, while the deep infrapatellar bursa is located between the patellar tendon and the tibia.
  • Suprapatellar bursa: This bursa is located above the patella, between the femur and the quadriceps tendon.
  • Pes anserine bursa: Found on the medial side of the knee, this bursa is located between the pes anserinus tendons and the tibia.
  • Semimembranosus bursa: Located on the posterior aspect of the knee, this bursa lies between the semimembranosus tendon and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the knee bursae is to reduce friction and allow smooth movement of the knee joint. They facilitate the gliding of muscles and tendons over bony surfaces, which is essential for activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Common Conditions[edit]

Bursitis is a common condition affecting the knee bursae. It is the inflammation of a bursa, often caused by repetitive motion or trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited movement. The prepatellar bursa is commonly affected, leading to a condition known as "housemaid's knee."

Knee effusion, or "water on the knee," can also affect the bursae. It is characterized by an accumulation of excess fluid in or around the knee joint, which can lead to swelling and discomfort.

Related Pages[edit]

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