The knee bursae are the fluid-filled sacs and synovial pockets that surround and sometimes communicate with the
knee joint cavity. The
bursae are thin-walled, and filled with
synovial fluid. They represent the weak point of the joint, but also provide enlargements to the joint space.[1] They can be grouped into either communicating and non-communicating bursae or, after their location – frontal, lateral, or medial.
Frontal
X-ray of the knee of a 12-year-old male, with
knee effusion extending into the suprapatellar bursa.
In front, there are five bursae:
the suprapatellar bursa or recess between the anterior surface of the lower part of the
femur and the deep surface of the
quadriceps femoris.[2] It allows for movement of the quadriceps tendon over the distal end of the femur. In about 85% of individuals, this bursa communicates with the
knee joint. A distension of this bursa is therefore generally an indication of
knee effusion.[3]
the deep infrapatellar bursa between the upper part of the
tibia and the patellar ligament.[2] It allows for movement of the patellar ligament over the tibia.[4]
the subcutaneous (or superficial) infrapatellar bursa between the patellar ligament and skin.[2]
the pretibial bursa between the
tibial tuberosity and the skin.[2] It allows for movement of the skin over the tibial tuberosity.[4]
The knee bursae are the fluid-filled sacs and synovial pockets that surround and sometimes communicate with the
knee joint cavity. The
bursae are thin-walled, and filled with
synovial fluid. They represent the weak point of the joint, but also provide enlargements to the joint space.[1] They can be grouped into either communicating and non-communicating bursae or, after their location – frontal, lateral, or medial.
Frontal
X-ray of the knee of a 12-year-old male, with
knee effusion extending into the suprapatellar bursa.
In front, there are five bursae:
the suprapatellar bursa or recess between the anterior surface of the lower part of the
femur and the deep surface of the
quadriceps femoris.[2] It allows for movement of the quadriceps tendon over the distal end of the femur. In about 85% of individuals, this bursa communicates with the
knee joint. A distension of this bursa is therefore generally an indication of
knee effusion.[3]
the deep infrapatellar bursa between the upper part of the
tibia and the patellar ligament.[2] It allows for movement of the patellar ligament over the tibia.[4]
the subcutaneous (or superficial) infrapatellar bursa between the patellar ligament and skin.[2]
the pretibial bursa between the
tibial tuberosity and the skin.[2] It allows for movement of the skin over the tibial tuberosity.[4]