Prepatellar Bursa - Pathology

Pathology

Prepatellar bursitis, also known as housemaid's knee, is a common cause of swelling and pain above the patella (kneecap), and is due to inflammation of the prepatellar bursa. It is common in people who frequently kneel, such as roofers, plumbers, carpet layers, and gardeners.

Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, redness and inability to flex the knee on the affected side. Rest usually relieves symptoms. Physical exam reveals erythema, tenderness to touch, fluctuant edema over the lower pole of the patella and crepitus.

Synovial bursa and tendon sheaths (TA A04.8, GA 3, GA 4)
Synovial bursa
Upper limb
  • Subacromial bursa
  • Olecranon bursa
Lower limb
  • Hip: Trochanteric bursa
  • Bursae of the knee joint: Prepatellar bursa
  • Semimembranous bursa
Tendon sheaths
Upper limb
  • Vincula tendina
  • Synovial sheath (Common flexor sheath of hand)
  • Mucous sheaths on back of wrist
Lower limb
  • Mucous sheaths of the tendons around the ankle

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