Orthopaedic Surgeon, University of Toledo Medical Center
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Pes Anserine Bursitis
Several bursa are seen around the knee area. These bursa
include the suprapatellar, prepatellar, infrapatellar, and pes anserine. The
pes answerine bursa is a small fluid filled sac located between the tibia and
the three tendons of the Sartorius, Gracilis, and Semi-tendinosus.
These
muscles are innervated by three separate nerves, the femoral, obturator, and
the tibial branch of the sciatic nerve, respectively. Pes Anserine bursitis, or
“breast stroke knee”, is an inflammatory condition of the medial knee at the
pes anserine bursa that is common in swimmers.
What is the pes anserine?
The pes anserine is the common area of insertion for the three
tendons along the proximal medial aspect of the tibia. This condition is also
sometimes referred to as a “goosefoot” because the pes anserinus tendons
resemble the shape of a goose foot. Pes Anserine bursitis is usually seen as
causing pain, tenderness, and localized swelling after trauma or total knee
replacement. The pain is seen below the joint line on the medial part of the
proximal tibial with the bursa being deep to the tendons.
Treatment
Treatment consists of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
medications, and injections. The physician will need to rule out meniscal
tears, stress fractures, or osteonecrosis of the tibia, as these are all
differential diagnosis.