Lower limb
Lateral Subtendinous Bursa of the Gastrocnemius
Bursa subtendinea lateralis musculi gastrocnemii
- Origin
- Between the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle and the knee joint capsule
- Insertion
- May communicate with the knee joint
- Function
- Reduces friction between the gastrocnemius tendon and the underlying joint capsule during knee movement
- Innervation
- No independent innervation; serous connective tissue
- Movement & chain
- Reduces friction between lateral gastrocnemius tendon and posterior lateral capsule during knee flexion.
- Palpation
- Located in the posterolateral knee between the lateral femoral condyle and lateral gastrocnemius head; palpable only when distended.
- Clinical
- Subtendinous bursitis from repetitive running friction; may communicate with the joint space and enlarge with knee effusion.
- Segmental innervation
- S1–S2 (tibial nerve)
- In clinical practice
- Frequent repositioning to prevent trochanteric and heel pressure ulcers; ensure hip dislocation precautions in total hip arthroplasty patients.
- Region in the model
- Lower limb