Suprapatellar bursa

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

The suprapatellar bursa is an extension of the joint cavity above the kneecap.

complete septum with suprapatellar bursaWhen the septum is incomplete, ie a plica, then the pouch and bursa are effectively the same structure. A complete septum separates the two spaces.

Terminology

The term is generally used interchangeably with suprapatellar pouch, but really it is only when the suprapatellar plica forms a complete septum and splits the pouch in two that a distinct bursa exists. If excessive fluid forms in this bursa it may be called a suprapatellar cyst.

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