Prepatellar Bursitis of the Knee
Prepatellar bursitis, also known as housemaid’s, carpet layer’s,and carpenter’s knee, is a superficial bursitis caused by inflammation of thebursa separating the patellar bone and the skin (1). Patients with prepatellarbursitis will normally present with knee pain and swelling (2). Prepatellar bursitisis mostly caused by long-term repetitive mini trauma from kneeling and crawlingon hard surfaces. Other causes include acute injury, infection, gout, andrheumatoid arthritis (2). Its annual incidence is 10/100,000 per year with 80%of those affected being males age 40-60 (1). In cases of non-traumatic prepatellarbursitis, treatment is dependent on resolution of the underlying condition.Early differentiation between septic and non-septic bursitis is important inthe early presentation in order to improve patient outcomes. Acute bursitis normally responds well to conservative treatment such as rest, ice, activitymodification, NSAIDs, and fluid aspiration. Chronic bursitis due to minitraumas is treated similarly but may require additional corticosteroid therapy(1).
Olecranon Bursitis of the Elbow
Olecranon Bursitis, also known as student’s elbow and plumber’selbow, is caused by inflammation of the bursa overlaying the olecranon processof the ulnar bone at the tip of the elbow. This bursa allows for smooth motionof the olecranon process against the superficial tissue at the tip of theelbow. Affected patients normally present with swelling at the bend of theelbow. A characteristic “golf ball” shape of swelling can be seen, and a fullyintact range of motion of the elbow can differentiate it from elbow jointinjuries (3). Olecranon Bursitis most commonly affects men age 30-60. Mostcases are due to repeated minor trauma and sports (4). Treatment is focused on resolvingthe underlying cause of inflammation. Conservative treatment includes ice andrest along with NSAIDs for symptomatic relief are indicated. While aspiration and corticosteroid injection are proven relief interventions, they carry anincreased risk for infection (4).
Greater Trochanteric Bursitis of the Hip
Greater trochanteric bursitis, or greater trochanteric painsyndrome (GTPS), is caused by inflammation of the bursa laying deep to theiliotibial band and superficial to the greater trochanter of the femur. It actsas a lubricant for the gluteal tendons. Patients with hip bursitis normallypresent with chronic intermittent pain of the lateral hip, thigh, and buttock(6). This bursitis normally affects women age 40-60. The increased pelvic widthof women relative to their body may predispose them to increased iliotibialband tension on the bursa (6). The cause of hip bursitis can be repetitivemicrotrauma, blunt trauma, or idiopathic. Movements requiring repetitive hipabduction like stair climbing and bicycling, direct traumatic falls, andsedentary lifestyles are common causes of this condition (5). Common treatments for this bursitis includeNSAIDs, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection. Surgery is a raretreatment option for bursitis resistant to conservative treatment options (5).
Subacromial Bursitis of the Shoulder
Subacromial bursitis is caused by inflammation to the bursa justbelow the acromion process. The subacromial bursa acts as a lubricating medium betweenthe acromion process superiorly and the muscles of the rotator cup inferiorly. Subacromial bursitis normally presents asanterolateral shoulder pain, especially during overhead activities. This chronicinflammation of the shoulder bursa can eventually lead to weakness and ruptureof the surrounding ligaments and tendons (7). Older individuals are more likelyto experience shoulder bursitis due to years of overuse. Most patients present dueto direct trauma to the shoulder or repetitive overhead activities (7).Treatment includes rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy, and corticosteroidinjections. Surgical therapy is reserved for cases unresponsive to conservativetherapy (7).
1. Rishor-Olney CR, Pozun A. Prepatellar Bursitis. [Updated 2021Sep 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;2021 Jan-.
2. J.Dean Cole MD. Causes of knee bursitis (prepatellar bursitis) [Internet].Arthritis. Arthritis-health; [cited 2021Oct28]. Available from:https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/bursitis/causes-knee-bursitis-prepatellar-bursitis
3. PangiaJ. Olecranon bursitis [Internet]. StatPearls [Internet]. U.S. National Libraryof Medicine; 2021 [cited 2021Oct28]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470291/
4. Blackwell JR, Hay BA, Bolt AM, Hay SM. Olecranon bursitis: asystematic overview. Shoulder Elbow. 2014 Jul;6(3):182-90. doi:10.1177/1758573214532787. Epub 2014 May 6. PMID: 27582935; PMCID: PMC4935058.
5. SeidmanAJ. Trochanteric bursitis [Internet]. StatPearls [Internet]. U.S. NationalLibrary of Medicine; 2021 [cited 2021Oct28]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538503/
6. ReidD. The management of Greater Trochanteric pain syndrome: A systematicliterature review [Internet]. Journal of orthopaedics. Elsevier; 2016 [cited2021Oct28]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4761624/
7. FaruqiT. Subacromial bursitis [Internet]. StatPearls [Internet]. U.S. NationalLibrary of Medicine; 2021 [cited 2021Oct29]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541096/
