Pes anserinus bursitis

Last revised by Nico Behnke on 23 Jan 2025

Pes anserinus bursitis refers to symptomatic inflammation of the pes anserinus bursa, which is located at the medial aspect of the knee, deep to the pes anserinus tendons

With the correct history of pain, many clinicians will diagnose pes anserinus bursitis based on the presence of increased bursal fluid alone 1.

Classically, symptoms are pain and swelling along the proximal medial tibia, which may be exacerbated by particular activities such as ascending and descending stairs 1,3.  

Pes anserine bursitis can be caused by or associated with 3:

The anatomic location is the key to making the diagnosis. The actual signs are those of bursitis anywhere else in the body 1.  

  • increased bursal fluid

  • thickened bursal wall 

  • surrounding tissue oedema

  • abnormal wall / surrounding tissue enhancement

Pes anserine bursitis typically responds well to conservative treatment (rest, analgesia) 3.

Cases and figures

  • Figure 1: pes anserinus bursa diagram
  • Case 1
  • Case 2

Imaging differential diagnosis

  • Semimembranosus bursitis
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