Bursae of the knee joint

Bursae of the Knee Joint

The knee joint is a complex structure that includes several bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between the moving parts of the joint. The bursae of the knee joint are essential for its smooth functioning and are often the site of common knee injuries and conditions.

Anatomy of the Knee Joint Bursae

The knee joint contains several bursae, including:

• Prepatellar Bursa: Located between the skin and the patella, or kneecap. It helps reduce friction between the skin and the patella.

• Infrapatellar Bursa: Found beneath the patella, between the patellar tendon and the skin. It has two parts: the superficial infrapatellar bursa and the deep infrapatellar bursa.

• Suprapatellar Bursa: Located above the patella, between the quadriceps tendon and the femur. It extends the knee joint cavity.

• Pes Anserinus Bursa: Situated on the inner side of the knee, between the shinbone and the tendons of three muscles: the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus.

• Semimembranosus Bursa: Located at the back of the knee, between the semimembranosus tendon and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Functions of the Knee Joint Bursae

The primary function of the bursae in the knee joint is to reduce friction between the various structures of the knee, such as bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They achieve this by providing a smooth, slippery surface over which these structures can move freely.

Common Conditions Affecting the Knee Joint Bursae

Several conditions can affect the bursae of the knee joint, including:

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, often caused by overuse or injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced movement in the knee.

• Septic Bursitis: Infection of the bursa, usually caused by bacteria. Symptoms are similar to those of bursitis but may also include fever and redness.

• Housemaid's Knee: Also known as prepatellar bursitis, this condition is caused by prolonged kneeling and results in inflammation of the prepatellar bursa.

Treatment of Knee Joint Bursae Conditions

Treatment for conditions affecting the knee joint bursae typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be required.