infrapatellar bursitis

Last reviewed 01/2018

With infrapatellar bursitis, there is a swelling that is superficial to the patellar ligament, but distal to the patella.

This condition, like prepatellar bursitis, may occur after repeated friction between the skin and the patella. The popular name, clergyman's knee, indicates that it is due to a position where the patient kneels more erect than the position that causes housemaid's knee.

Treatment of this condition involves firm bandaging of the knee and avoidance of kneeling. The bursa may need to be aspirated. In chronic bursitis a lump may require excision.