Calcific bursitis manifests as a result of a chronic inflammatory process that leads to calcification of the bursa. Inflammation, if chronic, leads to the formation of calcium deposits that tend to remain even after treatment.

Infrapatellar bursitis may occur due to acute trauma: fall/direct blow on to the knee, infection, crystal-depositing condition. Infrapatellar bursitis is more common in people with gout or pseudogout.