- Details
- Hits: 21323
User Rating: 5 / 5
Random Case Generator
Behind the Knee Pain
A 44 year old male with a PMHx of hypertension, presents to the emergency department with a 3 month history of right knee pain and swelling. Patient installs carpet for a living. Pain is worse when kneeling, better with rest. Patient has taken ibuprofen intermittently for symptomatic relief. Patient tried to see his primary care provider but they did not have any openings.
Behind the Knee Pain
Author: Nicholas Segel, DO
Peer-Reviewer and Final Editor: Alex Tomesch, MD, CAQ-SM
A 44 year old male with a PMHx of hypertension, presents to the emergency department with a 3 month history of right knee pain and swelling. Patient installs carpet for a living. Pain is worse when kneeling, better with rest. Patient has taken ibuprofen intermittently for symptomatic relief. Patient tried to see his primary care provider but they did not have any openings.
Image 1. Lateral Plain radiograph R knee Case courtesy of Ahmed Abdrabou, Radiopedia.org rID: 43721
Which imaging modalities can be used?
Plain film radiographs can be used to evaluate for any acute fracture/dislocation. Ultrasound may also be used to evaluate the bursae as well as look for overlying cellulitis[2].
Image 2: Ultrasound of knee in sagittal access showing acute prepatellar bursitis. Case courtesy of Maulik Patel, radiopedia.org rID:72987
Image 3: Ultrasound of knee in transverse view showing acute prepatellar bursitis. Case courtesy of Maulik Patel, radiopedia.org rID:72987
References
[1] Rishor-Olney CR, Taqi M, Pozun A. Prepatellar Bursitis. [Updated 2024 Jan 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[2 Williams CH, Jamal Z, Sternard BT. Bursitis. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[3] Aaron, Daniel L. MD; Patel, Amar MD; Kayiaros, Stephen MD; Calfee, Ryan MD. Four Common Types of Bursitis: Diagnosis and Management. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon 19(6):p 359-367, June 2011.
All content on the Ortho EM Pearls website is purely educational and should not be construed as medical advice. The content and all associated information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please seek care from a medical professional and if you are having a medical emergency, please call 911.
Ortho EM Pearls is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
© 2021 by ShamiDesigns. All rights reserved.