What is Housemaids Knee or Prepatellar Bursitis?
A bursa is a small fluid filled sac designed to help soft tissue (skin, tendons, muscle and ligaments) slide easily over the underlying bone. They arise at various joints throughout the body, such as the shoulder, elbow and knee. Prepatellar bursitis is the inflammation of the pre-patellar bursa, which lies in front of the patella or kneecap. Under normal conditions its function is to reduce the friction between the patellar tendon and overlying skin when bending the knee. Prepatellar bursitis is the inflammation of this bursa, which can either, be an acute (sudden onset) injury or chronic (longer term) injury. Causes of prepatellar bursitis: Acute prepatellar bursitis can be caused by a direct blow or fall on the knee. This ruptures blood vessels which bleed into the bursa causing swelling and triggering an inflammation reaction in the walls of the bursa. Subsequently, the walls may then thicken; causing tenderness that may remain even after the swelling has reduced. Acute bursitis ca
