Infrapatellar bursitis

Infrapatellar bursitis
Other namesVicar's knee,[1] clergyman's knee[2]
Cross section of the human knee
TypesSuperficial, deep[3]
Risk factorsKneeling, crawling[4]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptom and physical examination[1]
Differential diagnosisPatellar tendonitis, prepatellar bursitis[5]
FrequencyRelatively rare[4]

Infrapatellar bursitis is inflammation of the superficial or deep infrapatellar bursa.[3] Symptoms may include knee pain, swelling, and redness just below the kneecap.[2] It may be complicated by patellar tendonitis.[1]

Risk factors include kneeling or crawling.[4] It may also be brought on by frequent bending of the knees while standing, squatting, running, or jumping.[1][6] Diagnosis is generally based on symptom and physical examination.[1] When the deep bursa is involved, bending the knee generally increases the pain.[2] Other conditions that may appear similar include patellar tendonitis and prepatellar bursitis.[5]

Treatment is generally by rest, alternating between ice and heat, and NSAIDs.[1] Infrapatellar bursitis is relatively rare.[4] It has also been called vicar's knee and clergyman's knee.[1][2]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Silver, Julie K.; Rizzo, Thomas D. (2008). Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 355. ISBN 9781416040071.
  2. ^ a b c d Kinirons, Mark; Ellis, Harold (2011). French's Index of Differential Diagnosis, 1 An A-Z. CRC Press. p. 377. ISBN 9781444128703.
  3. ^ a b Adams, James G. (2012). Emergency Medicine E-Book: Clinical Essentials (Expert Consult - Online and Print). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 760. ISBN 9781455733941.
  4. ^ a b c d Khodaee, M (15 February 2017). "Common Superficial Bursitis". American Family Physician. 95 (4): 224–231. PMID 28290630.
  5. ^ a b Talley, Nicholas J.; O’Connor, Simon (2013). Clinical Examination: A Systematic Guide to Physical Diagnosis. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 320. ISBN 9780729581479.
  6. ^ Waldman, Steven D. (2009). Pain Review: (Expert Consult: Online and Print). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 320. ISBN 9781437711264.