Corpus: Infrapatellar bursa

The infrapatellar bursa is a bursa (synovial bursa) in the area of the knee joint below the patellar ligament.

The infrapatellar bursa can be divided into a deep and a superficial part. The superficial part (bursa infrapatellaris subcutanea or superficialis) lies between the patellar ligament and the skin, the deep part (bursa infrapatellaris profunda) between the patellar ligament and the proximal end of the tibia.

The infrapatellar bursa allows the patellar tendon to glide almost friction-free over the tibia when the knee is flexed.

Inflammatory changes in the infrapatellar bursa are known as infrapatellar bursitis. They are usually triggered by working on the knee for long periods in an upright position. Occasionally it is also seen in gout or advanced syphilis.