A small lateral knee bursa develops between the lateral collateral ligament and the popliteus tendon at the lateral femoral condyle, reducing friction between the popliteus tendon (passing deep to the LCL to reach the popliteal sulcus) and the LCL. It is part of the posterolateral corner anatomy and may become inflamed in posterolateral knee injuries and popliteus tendinopathy.
Lateral knee bursitis at the LCL-popliteus tendon interface produces localised lateral knee pain that is reproduced by the Valsalva manoeuvre and activities stressing the posterolateral corner. It is distinct from the IT band bursa at the lateral femoral condyle (proximal and anterior) and from popliteal bursae posteriorly. Ultrasound confirms a fluid collection between the LCL and popliteus tendon in the posterolateral knee. Corticosteroid injection into the bursa addresses the localised bursitis component while the underlying posterolateral instability is managed separately.
Lateral knee bursitis between the LCL and popliteus tendon accompanies acute posterolateral corner injuries, producing focal lateral pain that may initially dominate the clinical picture; ultrasound-guided aspiration and injection addresses the bursitis component while MRI evaluates the associated ligamentous injury to guide reconstruction planning.
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