Common Symptoms

Localized swelling and tenderness over the front or sides of the knee
Warmth and erythema over the affected bursa suggesting inflammation
Pain with direct pressure on the bursa, such as kneeling on a hard surface
Fluctuant fluid-filled lump palpable over the prepatellar or anserine region
Reduced knee flexion when the distended bursa limits comfortable range

Knee Bursitis MRI Signs: Prepatellar, Pes Anserine, and Infection Clues

Review knee bursitis MRI signs across prepatellar, infrapatellar, and pes anserine bursae, including fluid, wall thickening, infection clues, and how similar findings differ.

Knee bursitis involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the tendons, ligaments, and bones around the knee joint. The most commonly affected bursae include the prepatellar bursa (housemaid's knee), the infrapatellar bursa, and the pes anserinus bursa along the medial tibia. Our AI consortium evaluates bursal distension, wall thickening, surrounding soft tissue edema, and associated internal derangement across multiple MRI sequences. The multi-model approach helps differentiate simple bursitis from septic bursitis and identifies underlying conditions that may predispose to bursal inflammation.

MRI review should separate prepatellar bursitis from deep infrapatellar and pes anserine bursitis, then look for differential causes such as adjacent tendon disease, meniscal pathology, or medial compartment arthritis. Seek clinician review urgently when swelling is hot, rapidly enlarging, associated with fever, or follows a puncture wound. Related knee context is covered in meniscus injury and knee osteoarthritis.

What We Look For on Imaging

Fluid-filled bursal distension with high signal on T2-weighted sequences
Thickening and enhancement of the bursal wall
Surrounding soft tissue edema and subcutaneous inflammatory changes
Complex fluid or internal debris suggesting hemorrhagic or septic bursitis
Pes anserinus bursal fluid collection along the medial proximal tibia
Associated medial compartment osteoarthritis or meniscal tears

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AI differentiate prepatellar from infrapatellar bursitis on MRI?

Yes. The location of bursal fluid on axial and sagittal sequences allows precise localization. Prepatellar bursitis shows fluid anterior to the patella, while superficial infrapatellar bursitis is distal to the patellar tendon insertion. The AI consortium maps fluid extent and wall thickening to differentiate simple bursitis from complicated or infected bursae.

What MRI sequences best evaluate knee bursitis?

T2 fat-saturated and STIR sequences are most sensitive for bursal fluid and surrounding soft-tissue edema. The AI consortium evaluates bursal wall thickness, internal debris, and adjacent bone to distinguish simple bursitis from septic bursitis, hemorrhagic bursitis, or villonodular change. This is for informational purposes only.

When should knee bursitis be treated surgically?

Most cases of non-septic bursitis respond to conservative management including activity modification, ice, and aspiration. Chronic or recurrent prepatellar bursitis refractory to conservative treatment may warrant bursectomy. The AI consortium identifies features such as thickened walls, septations, and loose bodies that correlate with chronicity and may influence the treatment strategy discussion with a physician.

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How to Read a Knee MRI: A Patient's Guide

Learn to understand your knee MRI report, common sequences, and what key findings mean for your diagnosis.

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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AI-generated analysis may contain errors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions. Full Disclaimer