Infrapatellar Bursitis

In terms of clinical relevance, disorders related to the extensor mechanism are the leading pathology of the anterior knee. Other conditions in vdiich US plays a diagnostic role include prepatellar and infrapatellar bursitis, some bone and positional abnormalities of the patella and the so-called mediopatel-lar plica syndrome. 

Distal patellar tendinopathy is often associated with deep infrapatellar bursitis. Bursitis can result from local blunt trauma or may be secondary to microtrauma. US reveals a swollen and hypoechoic distal tendon associated or not with fluid distension of the infrapatellar bursa, which is a synovial structure located between the posterior tendon surface and the tibial cortex (Fig. 14.63). It must be noted that a minimal amount of bursal fluid can be detected with US in normal states, particularly if high-fre-... 

---