Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describing bursitis of the knee.
The knee bursa is a small fluid-filled sac located between the front of the kneecap (the patella) and the overlying skin). This bursa allows the kneecap to slide freely underneath the skin as we bend and straighten the knee.
This bursitis causes pain, swelling, tenderness and a lump in the area on top of the kneecap. It may be very difficult to kneel down and put the knee on the floor due to tenderness and swelling.
Type of knee bursitis:
1-Suprapatellar
2-Prepatellar (most common/popeye knee)
3-Infrapatellar
4-Pes anserine
Causes:
Trauma
•Direct injury or fall onto the knee can damage the bursa with development of sudden large swelling.
Occupational kneeling
•Bursitis is chronic and develops slowly as seen in carpet layers, tilers, wrestlers, etc.
Infection
•Inspect the bursa for any breaks in the skin leading to infection.
•Red, hot, painful and swollen bursa is a sign of possible infection.
Inflammation
Treatment of patellar bursitis includes:
•Anti-inflammatory medication
•Antibiotics if infection is suspected or confirmed
•Ice therapy
•Aspiration: send the fluid for culture and crystals.
•Surgery: debridement & excision of the bursa.
•Protective covering should be placed around the knee while avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.
