Prepatellar Bursa

bursa praepatellaris

The prepatellar bursa is a subcutaneous bursa lying anterior to the lower half of the patella and the upper patellar tendon, between the skin and the anterior patellar surface. It allows free skin movement over the patella during kneeling and is the bursa most commonly affected by traumatic bursitis (housemaid's knee).

Region: Knee

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Prepatellar bursitis (housemaid's knee) is the most common knee bursa to be clinically inflamed, caused by repeated kneeling in carpet layers, gardeners, and roofers. It presents as a fluctuant anterior patellar swelling that is separate from the joint (joint range of motion preserved). Acute traumatic bursitis resolves with aspiration and padding. Chronic bursitis requires bursectomy. Septic prepatellar bursitis from skin abrasion requires aspiration, culture, and antibiotics, with surgical drainage for refractory cases. It must be distinguished from patellofemoral effusion by its subcutaneous location anterior to the patella.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Prepatellar Bursitis

Fluid-filled swelling directly over the patella from repetitive friction — generally painless unless infected, when redness, warmth, and systemic features suggest septic bursitis requiring aspiration and antibiotics.