Prepatellar bursitis

Synonyms

Housemaid's knee.

Definition

Inflammation of the thin, superficial bursa which overlies the patella (kneecap). Usually caused by trauma, other causes of prepatellar bursitis include infection and inflammatory arthritis such as gout. The area superficial to the kneecap is often tender and warm to the touch and must be distinguished from pain emanating from the knee joint itself, which will be more painful with passive range of motion of the entire knee joint. Aspiration of the bursa should be performed if there is suggestion that the bursa may be infected.

Therapy

Pharmacological

NSAIDs can be used to help manage pain and symptoms of inflammation. Antibiotics must be given if the bursa if the bursa is septic. For cases of inflammatory