Subcutaneous infrapatellar bursa
Last revised by Dai Roberts ◉ on 07 Dec 2021
Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Feger J, Roberts D, Hacking C, Subcutaneous infrapatellar bursa. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 29 Jan 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-80168
rID:
80168
Article created:
15 Jul 2020 by Joachim Feger ◉
Revisions:
7 times by 3 users - see full revision history
System:
Section:
Synonyms:
- Superficial infrapatellar bursa
The subcutaneous or superficial infrapatellar bursa is one of many bursae surrounding the knee joint and shares the name with its deep counterpart.
On this page:
Gross anatomy
It is located in the subcutaneous tissue between the distal patellar tendon insertion at the tibial tuberosity and the overlying skin 1-4. It is flat and about 2 x 2 x 0.2 cm in size and not always present. In about 80% of the cases, bursae are characterized by a thin septum 1.
As the other bursae of the knee, it is a synovial-lined structure and usually collapsed 2 and may communicate with the prepatellar bursa 5.
Related pathology
The following pathologies are associated with the superficial infrapatellar bursa 1-4.
- traumatic hemorrhage
- inflammatory bursitis/clergyman’s knee
See also
Quiz questions
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References
- 1. Viegas F, Aguiar R, Gasparetto E et al. Deep and Superficial Infrapatellar Bursae: Cadaveric Investigation of Regional Anatomy Using Magnetic Resonance After Ultrasound-Guided Bursography. Skeletal Radiol. 2006;36(1):41-6. doi:10.1007/s00256-006-0142-0 - Pubmed
- 2. Perdikakis E & Skiadas V. MRI Characteristics of Cysts and “cyst-Like” Lesions in and Around the Knee: What the Radiologist Needs to Know. Insights Imaging. 2013;4(3):257-72. doi:10.1007/s13244-013-0240-1 - Pubmed
- 3. Janzen D, Peterfy C, Forbes J, Tirman P, Genant H. Cystic Lesions Around the Knee Joint: MR Imaging Findings. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1994;163(1):155-61. doi:10.2214/ajr.163.1.8010203 - Pubmed
- 4. Hirji Z, Hunjun J, Choudur H. Imaging of the Bursae. J Clin Imaging Sci. 2011;1:22. doi:10.4103/2156-7514.80374 - Pubmed
- 5. Draghi F, Corti R, Urciuoli L, Alessandrino F, Rotondo A. Knee Bursitis: A Sonographic Evaluation. J Ultrasound. 2015;18(3):251-7. doi:10.1007/s40477-015-0168-z - Pubmed
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