Infrapatellar Bursitis Treatment Guidelines Handout

What is infrapatellar bursitis?

Infrapatellar bursitis or clergyman's knee is the inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa, a fluid-filled sac below the kneecap that reduces friction and facilitates smooth knee movement. The bursa consists of two parts: the superficial bursa, between the tibial tubercle and skin, and the deep bursa, between the patellar tendon and tibia. These structures are vital for normal knee mechanics, especially during repetitive movements.

The condition often results from repetitive trauma, prolonged kneeling, or overuse, making it common in activities that put frequent pressure on the knees, such as gardening. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and restricted mobility, with chronic cases potentially causing calcification or solid lumps that impair the bursa's function.

A more severe form, septic bursitis, occurs when the bursa becomes infected, causing redness, warmth, fever, and discharge. This requires immediate medical intervention to prevent complications like abscesses or systemic infection. Proper understanding of the bursa's role aids in effective diagnosis and treatment.

How to treat infrapatellar bursitis

Treating infrapatellar bursitis focuses on reducing pain, minimizing inflammation, and restoring knee function. Here are some of the treatment options for this condition:

Rest and activity modification

The cornerstone of treating infrapatellar bursitis is resting the affected knee and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, such as kneeling or repetitive movements. Rest reduces strain on the inflamed bursa, allowing it to heal. Patients can also benefit from temporary measures like using knee pads or cushions to minimize further irritation, particularly in activities that require prolonged pressure on the knees.

Cold therapy

Cold therapy is a simple and effective way to reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with infrapatellar bursitis. Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15–20 minutes multiple times a day helps minimize inflammation and soothes discomfort. This treatment is particularly beneficial during the acute phase of the condition.

Compression and elevation

Gentle compression with an elastic bandage can decrease swelling and support the knee. Elevating the affected leg above heart level further aids in reducing fluid buildup in the bursa by improving circulation and minimizing pooling of inflammatory fluids.

Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are frequently prescribed to manage pain and inflammation. These medications are effective in providing symptomatic relief during flare-ups and are particularly useful in addressing acute inflammation.

Aspiration and corticosteroid injections

For cases where swelling persists despite initial treatments, aspiration of the bursal fluid under sterile conditions can relieve pressure and discomfort. This procedure also allows for laboratory testing to rule out or confirm infection. Corticosteroid injections, administered directly into the bursa, are another option for reducing inflammation. These injections should be used judiciously to prevent adverse effects, such as weakening of the surrounding tissues with repeated use.

Surgical options

Surgical intervention is considered when infrapatellar bursitis does not respond to conservative treatments or is complicated by recurrent inflammation, calcification, or severe infection.

The primary surgical procedure, bursal excision, involves the removal of the inflamed bursa. This can be performed via open surgery, offering direct access to the affected area, or endoscopic techniques, which are minimally invasive and typically lead to faster recovery times. The choice of approach depends on the severity and complexity of the condition. In some cases, the surgery may require one or two stages to address associated complications comprehensively.

Post-surgical rehabilitation is also crucial to restore mobility, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and prevent stiffness, ensuring long-term success.

How to use our treatment guidelines handout template

Carepatron’s Infrapatellar Bursitis Treatment Guidelines Handout is a practical resource designed to help you educate patients about infrapatellar bursitis. This tool simplifies complex medical information, ensuring your patients understand their condition, treatment options, and recovery process.

Step 1: Access and download the handout

Download the handout from Carepatron’s resource library. Click "Use template" to access an editable version in the Carepatron app or choose "Download" for a PDF copy. Keep the handout readily available during consultations to facilitate clear discussions about infrapatellar bursitis treatment.

Step 2: Review the handout

Familiarize yourself with this handout to confidently guide patients through their condition and care plan. It begins by explaining infrapatellar bursitis, detailing its causes, such as repetitive trauma or infection, and identifying common symptoms, including swelling, tenderness, and restricted knee mobility.

The handout also highlights a range of treatment options tailored to different severity levels. Non-surgical strategies, such as rest, cold therapy, NSAIDs, and physical therapy, are emphasized for managing inflammation and alleviating symptoms.

Step 3: Educate patients during consultations

Use the handout to explain infrapatellar bursitis and its management in simple terms. Discuss activity modification, the importance of protecting the knee, and conservative treatments like cold therapy and NSAIDs for symptom relief. mphasize rehabilitation steps for recovery, including strengthening exercises and gradual return to normal activities.

Step 4: Provide the handout to patients

Ensure your patients leave with a copy of the handout. This helps them to better understand their condition, reinforces your recommendations, and helps them manage expectations during treatment and recovery.

Benefits of using this handout

Our free Infrapatellar Bursitis Treatment Guidelines Handout is a practical and comprehensive resource designed to enhance patient care. By incorporating this tool into your practice, you can:

• Ensure standardized care: Promote consistent and effective treatment approaches for infrapatellar bursitis, from initial evaluation to advanced interventions, across clinical settings.
• Deliver evidence-based care: Provide patients with accurate, up-to-date information on treatment options, including rest, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and surgical solutions like bursal excision or drainage for septic bursitis.
• Enhance care coordination: Strengthen communication between healthcare teams to create integrated, patient-centered treatment plans that address all aspects of infrapatellar bursitis management.
• Improve patient outcomes: Support patients in managing knee pain, restoring function, and preventing recurrence with tailored rehabilitation and preventive strategies, ultimately improving their quality of life.