Patellar bursitis is an inflammatory condition that involves a small fluid space on the front of the knee. Most patients complain of the sensation of having a “collection of fluid” over the bone on the front of the knee directly over the knee cap. The condition is commonly caused by kneeling on a hard surface in which the bursa becomes irritated. The inflammation produces a fluid that accumulates under the skin. Many cases are treated with removal of the fluid and injection of a small amount of corticosteroid to relieve the inflammation. Refractory cases require removal of the bursa surgically which is done as a 20 minute outpatient procedure.
