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[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# 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

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Prepatellar bursa](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subcutaneous-prepatellar-bursa/)
- [Patella](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/patella/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Knee effusion: patellar tap and bulge sign](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/knee-effusion-patellar-tap-and-bulge-sign/)

## Why it happens

- [Patterns of acute inflammation: serous, fibrinous, purulent, abscess, ulcer](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/patterns-of-acute-inflammation-serous-fibrinous-purulent-abscess-ulcer/)
- [Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/patella/)

**Tests**
Aspiration if infection suspected

## Treatment

**Conservative**
Activity modification and padding for aseptic cases.

**Acute**
Antibiotics and drainage if septic.

## Related conditions

- [Patellar fracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/patellar-fracture/)
- [Olecranon bursitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/olecranon-bursitis/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Prepatellar Bursitis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557508/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/prepatellar-bursitis/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/prepatellar-bursitis/