| Synonym: | Vicar's knee, clergyman's knee |
| Types: | Superficial, deep |
| Risks: | Kneeling, crawling |
| Diagnosis: | Based on symptom and physical examination |
| Differential: | Patellar tendonitis, prepatellar bursitis |
| Frequency: | Relatively rare |
Infrapatellar bursitis is inflammation of the superficial or deep infrapatellar bursa.[1] Symptoms may include knee pain, swelling, and redness just below the kneecap.[2] It may be complicated by patellar tendonitis.[3]
Risk factors include kneeling or crawling. It may also be brought on by frequent bending of the knees while standing, squatting, running, or jumping.[3] [4] Diagnosis is generally based on symptom and physical examination.[3] When the deep bursa is involved, bending the knee generally increases the pain.[2] Other conditions that may appear similar include patellar tendonitis and prepatellar bursitis.[5]
Treatment is generally by rest, alternating between ice and heat, and NSAIDs.[3] Infrapatellar bursitis is relatively rare.[6] It has also been called vicar's knee and clergyman's knee.[3] [2]