What is the role of injection in the workup of prepatellar bursitis (housemaid's knee)?

Updated: Sep 15, 2020
  • Author: Divakara Kedlaya, MBBS; Chief Editor: Dean H Hommer, MD  more...
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Answer

Aspiration of prepatellar bursa fluid may be indicated because sepsis is common. Consider injection of the prepatellar bursa with corticosteroids only when infection has been excluded. Select position of maximal fullness as the site for injection. Complications of injection include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Postinjection inflammation and erythema

  • Postinjection pain

  • Tendon rupture

  • Subcutaneous atrophy

A compression dressing should be worn for 24-36 hours after the procedure, with avoidance of direct pressure to the knee.


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