Infrapatellar bursae !
The infrapatellar bursae are two small fluid sacs around the patellar tendon, one under the skin and one behind the tendon.
Official name: Subcutaneous infrapatellar bursa
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What it is
Small fluid sacs around the patellar tendon.
What it does
Reduce friction around the tendon.
Key facts
- Where
- Superficial: between skin and tibial tuberosity; deep: between patellar ligament and tibia above tuberosity
- Function
- Reduce friction around patellar ligament; superficial one inflamed by upright kneeling (clergyman's knee)
Relations
- Superficial
- Superficial bursa: lies under the skin over the tibial tuberosity and the lower patellar ligament
- Deep
- Deep bursa: between the back of the lower patellar ligament and the upper front of the tibia, just above the tibial tuberosity
- Above
- Infrapatellar fat pad, which separates the deep bursa from the knee joint cavity
How to find it
Superficial bursitis is a soft swelling over the tibial tuberosity. Deep bursitis gives tenderness and fullness on both sides of the lower patellar ligament, just above its insertion.
On imaging
Ultrasound along the patellar ligament often shows a thin film of fluid in the deep bursa as a normal finding; a distended bursa, a thickened ligament or a fragmented tuberosity point to bursitis, tendinopathy or Osgood–Schlatter disease.
Clinical notes
- The superficial bursa, like the prepatellar one, can become infected through a skin break from kneeling
- Pain over the tibial tuberosity has a short differential: Osgood–Schlatter disease, patellar tendinopathy at its insertion and deep or superficial infrapatellar bursitis
- Superficial infrapatellar bursitis is the classic 'clergyman's knee', from kneeling upright with weight on the tibial tuberosity; prepatellar bursitis, from kneeling leaning forward, is 'housemaid's knee'
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where do the superficial and deep infrapatellar bursae lie?
Superficial: under the skin over the tibial tuberosity. Deep: between the lower patellar ligament and the upper tibia, above the tuberosity.
What separates the deep infrapatellar bursa from the knee joint?
The infrapatellar fat pad; neither infrapatellar bursa normally opens into the joint.
What is the short differential of pain over the tibial tuberosity?
Osgood–Schlatter disease, patellar tendinopathy at its insertion, and deep or superficial infrapatellar bursitis.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris; bursa infrapatellaris profunda TA2 2739
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Bolsas infrarrotulianas subcutánea y profunda DeCS D002061
- English (TA2)
- Subcutaneous infrapatellar bursa
- Also called
- bursa infrapatellaris subcutanea
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Skin Bursa; Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Knee.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
