Infrapatellar bursitis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Infrapatellar bursitis
| image          = [[File:Prepatellar_bursa.png|left|thumb|Diagram of the knee showing the location of the infrapatellar bursa]]
| caption        = Diagram of the knee showing the location of the infrapatellar bursa
| synonyms        = Clergyman's knee
| specialty      = [[Orthopedics]]
| symptoms        = Pain and swelling below the kneecap
| complications  = Chronic pain, limited range of motion
| onset          = Gradual or sudden
| duration        = Varies, can be chronic
| causes          = Repetitive kneeling, trauma
| risks          = Occupations or activities involving frequent kneeling
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[Ultrasound]], [[MRI]]
| differential    = [[Prepatellar bursitis]], [[Patellar tendinitis]], [[Osgood-Schlatter disease]]
| treatment      = Rest, ice, compression, elevation, [[NSAIDs]], physical therapy
| medication      = [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug|NSAIDs]]
| prognosis      = Good with treatment
| frequency      = Common in certain occupations
}}
{{Short description|An overview of infrapatellar bursitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment}}
{{Short description|An overview of infrapatellar bursitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment}}
==Infrapatellar Bursitis==
[[File:Prepatellar_bursa.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing the location of the prepatellar bursa, which is similar in location to the infrapatellar bursa.]]
Infrapatellar bursitis, also known as clergyman's knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located just below the kneecap (patella). This bursa acts as a cushion to reduce friction between the skin and the underlying patellar tendon.
Infrapatellar bursitis, also known as clergyman's knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located just below the kneecap (patella). This bursa acts as a cushion to reduce friction between the skin and the underlying patellar tendon.
===Anatomy===
===Anatomy===
The [[infrapatellar bursa]] is situated between the patellar tendon and the skin. It is one of several bursae around the knee joint, including the [[prepatellar bursa]] and the [[suprapatellar bursa]]. The infrapatellar bursa can be divided into two parts: the superficial infrapatellar bursa and the deep infrapatellar bursa.
The [[infrapatellar bursa]] is situated between the patellar tendon and the skin. It is one of several bursae around the knee joint, including the [[prepatellar bursa]] and the [[suprapatellar bursa]]. The infrapatellar bursa can be divided into two parts: the superficial infrapatellar bursa and the deep infrapatellar bursa.
===Causes===
===Causes===
Infrapatellar bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling or trauma to the knee. It is commonly seen in individuals whose occupations or activities involve frequent kneeling, such as carpet layers, gardeners, and athletes. Other causes may include direct trauma to the knee, infection, or inflammatory conditions such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]].
Infrapatellar bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling or trauma to the knee. It is commonly seen in individuals whose occupations or activities involve frequent kneeling, such as carpet layers, gardeners, and athletes. Other causes may include direct trauma to the knee, infection, or inflammatory conditions such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]].
===Symptoms===
===Symptoms===
The primary symptoms of infrapatellar bursitis include:
The primary symptoms of infrapatellar bursitis include:
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* Limited range of motion in the knee
* Limited range of motion in the knee
* Difficulty kneeling or bending the knee
* Difficulty kneeling or bending the knee
===Diagnosis===
===Diagnosis===
Diagnosis of infrapatellar bursitis is typically based on clinical examination and patient history. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging studies such as [[X-ray]] or [[MRI]] may be used to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis of infrapatellar bursitis is typically based on clinical examination and patient history. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging studies such as [[X-ray]] or [[MRI]] may be used to rule out other conditions.
===Treatment===
===Treatment===
Treatment for infrapatellar bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Common treatment options include:
Treatment for infrapatellar bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Common treatment options include:
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* Aspiration of the bursa fluid in severe cases
* Aspiration of the bursa fluid in severe cases
* Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
* Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
In cases where infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Surgical intervention is rarely required but may be considered if conservative treatments fail.
In cases where infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Surgical intervention is rarely required but may be considered if conservative treatments fail.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures for infrapatellar bursitis include:
Preventive measures for infrapatellar bursitis include:
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* Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee
* Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee
* Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees
* Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Bursitis]]
* [[Bursitis]]
* [[Knee joint]]
* [[Knee joint]]
* [[Patellar tendonitis]]
* [[Patellar tendonitis]]
* [[Prepatellar bursitis]]
* [[Prepatellar bursitis]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]

Latest revision as of 01:13, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Infrapatellar bursitis
Diagram of the knee showing the location of the infrapatellar bursa
Synonyms Clergyman's knee
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Orthopedics
Symptoms Pain and swelling below the kneecap
Complications Chronic pain, limited range of motion
Onset Gradual or sudden
Duration Varies, can be chronic
Types N/A
Causes Repetitive kneeling, trauma
Risks Occupations or activities involving frequent kneeling
Diagnosis Physical examination, Ultrasound, MRI
Differential diagnosis Prepatellar bursitis, Patellar tendinitis, Osgood-Schlatter disease
Prevention N/A
Treatment Rest, ice, compression, elevation, NSAIDs, physical therapy
Medication NSAIDs
Prognosis Good with treatment
Frequency Common in certain occupations
Deaths N/A


An overview of infrapatellar bursitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment


Infrapatellar bursitis, also known as clergyman's knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located just below the kneecap (patella). This bursa acts as a cushion to reduce friction between the skin and the underlying patellar tendon.

Anatomy[edit]

The infrapatellar bursa is situated between the patellar tendon and the skin. It is one of several bursae around the knee joint, including the prepatellar bursa and the suprapatellar bursa. The infrapatellar bursa can be divided into two parts: the superficial infrapatellar bursa and the deep infrapatellar bursa.

Causes[edit]

Infrapatellar bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling or trauma to the knee. It is commonly seen in individuals whose occupations or activities involve frequent kneeling, such as carpet layers, gardeners, and athletes. Other causes may include direct trauma to the knee, infection, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms[edit]

The primary symptoms of infrapatellar bursitis include:

  • Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
  • Swelling and warmth over the affected area
  • Limited range of motion in the knee
  • Difficulty kneeling or bending the knee

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of infrapatellar bursitis is typically based on clinical examination and patient history. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging studies such as X-ray or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for infrapatellar bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Common treatment options include:

  • Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms
  • Application of ice packs to reduce swelling
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
  • Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
  • Aspiration of the bursa fluid in severe cases
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

In cases where infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Surgical intervention is rarely required but may be considered if conservative treatments fail.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures for infrapatellar bursitis include:

  • Using knee pads or cushions when kneeling
  • Taking regular breaks to avoid prolonged pressure on the knees
  • Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees

See also[edit]