Lower limb

Peripatellar bursae (Prepatellar, infrapatellar, and suprapatellar bursal complex)

Bursae prepatellares, infrapatellares et suprapatellares

Origin

Subcutaneous anterior to patella, deep to patellar tendon, over tibial tuberosity, and proximal under quadriceps tendon

Insertion

Patella, patellar tendon, tibial tuberosity, and distal anterior femur

Function

Provides low-friction glide interfaces during kneeling and deep bending; suprapatellar bursa is a direct extension of the knee joint cavity

Innervation

Femoral nerve anterior cutaneous branches and saphenous nerve (L3–L4)

Movement & chain

Allows effortless skin and tendon translation during knee flexion and direct weight-bearing

Palpation

Prepatellar bursa is visible and palpable as an egg-like swelling over anterior patella

Clinical

Prepatellar bursitis ('housemaid's knee' / carpet layer's knee from repetitive kneeling, aseptic or septic); deep infrapatellar bursitis; suprapatellar synovitis.

Segmental innervation

L3–L4

In clinical practice

Aspiration for septic bursitis exclusion, kneeling pads for tradespeople, and compression wrapping

Region in the model

Lower limb