Evidence-Based Soft Tissue Rheumatology IV: Anserine Bursitis

Anserine bursitis is a frequent cause of medial knee pain. Despite its name, the structure at fault causing the symptoms remains unknown. Diabetes mellitus is a known predisposing factor leading to the condition. Overweight and knee osteoarthritis are possible additional risk factors, but their role has yet to be assessed. Anserine bursitis is diagnosed clinically based on medial knee pain and localized tenderness at the inferomedial knee. Current treatment of anserine bursitis includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory dugs, physiotherapy, and local glucocorticoid injections. Of these, only the latter has been shown effective in clinical trials. Knowledge gaps in the epidemiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of anserine bursitis should lead to additional research efforts on this common and perplexing condition.