Prepatellar Bursitis (Knee Bursitis): Symptoms & Treatment

What Is Prepatellar Bursitis?

• Definition: Inflammation of the bursa located in front of the kneecap (patella).
• Causes of Inflammation: Irritation, infection, or damage causing excess fluid and swelling.
• Appearance: Visible swelling in front of the knee.
• Other Names: Housemaid's knee, Carpenter's knee, Coal miner's knee, Carpet layer's knee.

Types of Prepatellar Bursitis

• Acute: Caused by sudden trauma or bacterial infection.
• Chronic: Due to repeated overuse or pressure, often from frequent kneeling.

Symptoms and Causes

Signs and Symptoms

• Knee Pain: Can occur while resting or only during movement.
• Swelling: Visible and palpable swelling at the front of the knee.
• Range of Motion Limits: Difficulty bending or stretching the knee.

Infection Symptoms

• Discoloration (red, pink, purple) and warmth of the skin.
• Fever, achiness, and chills.

Causes

• Frequent Kneeling: Most common cause.
• Direct Trauma: From falls or impacts.
• Infections: Spread from skin injuries.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis & Gout: Less common causes.

Risk Factors

• Affects mainly ages 40-60, males, and those in kneeling jobs or contact sports.
• Weakened immune systems increase risk.

Future Complications

• Untreated infections can lead to septic shock or death.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnostic Procedures

• Physical Exam: Check for pain, tenderness, motion range.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI for bone and soft tissue evaluation.
• Ultrasound: Identify inflamed bursa.
• Aspiration: Test fluid for bacteria if infection is suspected.

Management and Treatment

Treatment Approaches

• Home Care: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation for inflammatory bursitis.
• Medical Interventions: Antibiotics for infections, possibly surgery if severe.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Immediate care needed for fever, chills, or infection symptoms.

Prevention

Preventive Measures

• Knee Pads: For jobs or sports involving kneeling.
• Avoiding Infections: Keep knee injuries clean.
• Post-Exercise Care: Ice and elevate knees.

Outlook / Prognosis

Recovery and Management

• Most cases resolve with home treatment in weeks.
• Chronic cases require more comprehensive treatment.
• Immediate medical care for lingering symptoms or infections.

Additional Notes

• Cleveland Clinic: Offers treatment and expert care for bursitis.
• Advice: Seek professional help for persistent or severe symptoms.

Keep this guide as a reference for understanding the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of prepatellar bursitis. It is critical to address symptoms early to prevent complications.