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Prepatellar Bursitis Updated 4/2010

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Etiology

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • General Measures
  • Special Therapy
  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Surgery

Ongoing Care

  • Disposition
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Prepatellar bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa in front of the patella.
    • Bursae are located between structures to reduce friction.
    • These sacs are lined with a membranous synovium that produces and absorbs fluid; they are subject to acute or chronic trauma or infection and to low-grade inflammatory conditions such as gout, syphilis, tuberculosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (1).
  • Classification:
    • Traumatic
    • Septic
    • Inflammatory
  • Synonyms: Housemaid knee; Carpenter knee; Carpet-layer knee
Epidemiology
  • Particularly common in middle and old age
  • Occurs equally in males and females
Incidence

Common

Risk Factors

Occupations that create repetitive pressure and trauma to the anterior aspect of the knee

Genetics

No known Mendelian pattern

Etiology
  • Acute injury such as from a fall or motor ...

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See Also
Images >
Fig. 1. Prepatellar bursitis produces swelling in the bursa directly over the kneecap.
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