Knee bursae
Fluid-filled sacs of the knee joint
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. They can be grouped into either communicating and non-communicating bursae or, after their location – frontal, lateral, or medial.
Frontal
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. 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.
the prepatellar bursa between the patella and the skin It allows movement of the skin over the underlying patella.
the deep infrapatellar bursa between the upper part of the tibia and the patellar ligament.
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