Infrapatellar bursitis

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

• Bursitis
• Knee joint
• Patellar tendonitis
• Prepatellar bursitis