Prepatellar Bursitis !
Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation of the fluid sac in front of the kneecap, often from frequent kneeling; it causes a soft swelling there.
Updated 2026-10-23
Structures involved
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In the clinical exam
Why it happens
- Patterns of acute inflammation: serous, fibrinous, purulent, abscess, ulcer
- Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage
What it is
Inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap, often from repetitive kneeling.
Symptoms and signs
- Swelling directly over the kneecap
- Tenderness
- Warmth if infected
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- Localized swelling over the patella
- Tests
- Aspiration if infection suspected
Treatment
- Conservative
- Activity modification and padding for aseptic cases.
- Acute
- Antibiotics and drainage if septic.
Related conditions
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Prepatellar Bursitis (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
