Isolated suprapatellar bursitis: Computed tomographic and arthroscopic findings

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Suprapatellar bursitis is inflammation of the bursa located above the kneecap.
• Compartmentalized suprapatellar bursitis is a rare variant, potentially leading to diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• An 80-year-old male presented with a rare case of compartmentalized suprapatellar bursitis in the left knee.
• Computed tomographic (CT) scans revealed a cystic mass superior to the patella, with enhanced walls.
• Multiplanar reconstruction CT demonstrated the mass between the quadriceps tendon and femur.

Findings:

• Arthroscopic examination identified a complete suprapatellar septum, isolating the suprapatellar bursa from the knee joint.
• This anatomical finding explains the compartmentalized nature of the bursitis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging like multiplanar reconstruction CT in diagnosing rare knee pathologies.
• Surgical excision of the affected bursa proved to be a curative treatment.
• The detailed illustration of CT and arthroscopic findings in isolated suprapatellar bursitis contributes novel insights to the literature.