Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome

Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAJun 24, 2021

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Goosefoot Bursitis
  • Knee Tendon Bursitis
  • Pes Anserine Bursitis 

What is Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

  • A bursa is characterized as a fluid–filled sac that acts as a cushion, to help the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, glide easily over the bones
  • Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome (also known as Knee Tendon Bursitis) is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa, within the inner part of the knee
  • Since bursae are located throughout the body, a bursitis not only affects the knee, but other locations too. Other areas of the body that may develop this inflammatory condition include the shoulder, elbow, hip, and heel
  • Treatment measures for the condition include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. The prognosis for Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome is generally good with proper treatment 

Who gets Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and gender
  • Children are more likely to have an infectious cause (septic etiology)
  • Men have a higher prevalence of this condition, than women 

What are the Risk Factors for Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome include:

  • Individuals, who participate in sports or activities that can commonly result in injury, such as football, wrestling, and basketball
  • Traumatic injury to the knee caused by an automobile accident or a fall
  • Excess body weight associated with obesity, which can abnormally increase pressure on the joints
  • Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or an infection
  • A degenerative joint disorder, such as osteoarthritis
  • Any disorder that weakens the immune system, such as cancer, diabetes, lupus, alcoholism, or HIV/AIDS
  • Individuals, whose occupation requires them to kneel at work, such as plumbers, roofers, carpet layers, coal miners, or gardeners
  • Excessive pronation (twisting) of the foot
  • Individuals with flat feet

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome? (Etiology)

The causes of Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome include:

  • Any traumatic injury to the knee
  • Complications associated with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis of the knee, or other bacterial infections
  • Diabetes; both type I diabetes and type II diabetes
  • Excess body weight associated with obesity, which increases pressure on the joints
  • Medial meniscus tear
  • Tight hamstring muscles
  • Individuals, who participate in sports or activities that can commonly result in a traumatic injury to the knee, such as football, wrestling, and basketball
  • Individuals, who need to constantly kneel at work 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome?

Signs and symptoms of Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome include:

  • Pain within the knee, while exercising
  • Noticeable swelling within the frontal part of the kneecap
  • Tender and warm sensation to touch
  • Pain within the inner part of the knee, and/or center part of the shinbone 

How is Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome Diagnosed? 

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome include:

  • Physical examination: A physician will perform a thorough physician examination (such as to examine, if the area surrounding the knee is tender) to assess any pain or weakness. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
  • X-ray of the affected joint: This imaging tool is not helpful in determining a diagnosis of bursitis. However, it may aid in ruling out, other possible causes for discomfort, such as a bone fracture, tumor, or arthritis
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected joint: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce clear images of soft tissue, such as bursae
  • Ultrasound imaging of the knee joint: Ultrasounds are high-frequency sound waves that generate a more detailed image of the joint and swelling within the affected bursae. In some cases, a physician may use this guiding tool, to help drain fluid from the affected bursae using a syringe, which helps relieve the symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome?

Complications associated with Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome include:

  • Chronic irritation within the knee
  • Chronic pain or swelling of the knee
  • Infection within the bursa
  • Difficulty walking 

How is Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome Treated?

A majority of the individuals, who develop non-infected Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome, seldom require a surgery; for individuals with an infected bursa, surgery may be needed.

Nonsurgical treatment measures include:

  • Any activity that aggravates the knee condition should be avoided. The physician usually advises to refrain from all such activities, until the symptoms get better
  • Applying ice or a damp heated towel to the knee (at least 3-4 times a day), can help reduce pain and swelling
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may be used to treat Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome. These medications can help decrease pain and swelling in the knee
  • Corticosteroid injections help in temporary relief of symptoms, such as pain, and in improving one’s range of motion

Surgical treatment measures include:

  • Incision and drainage of the infected bursa: Incision and drainage is a non-invasive surgical procedure that involves the drainage of fluid, which has build-up within the infected bursa. This surgical procedure is done under a general anesthetic
  • Open bursectomy: Open bursectomy is a traditional surgical approach to remove the infected bursa
  • Arthroscopic bursectomy: Arthroscopic bursectomy is a minimally-invasive surgical intervention tool to remove the infected bursa, using an orthopedic device and a tiny camera, called the arthroscope. This instrument is inserted through a tiny incision within the knee and the infected bursa is removed 

How can Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome be Prevented?

To prevent Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play; any probable danger involved should be anticipated and safety measures adopted. 

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or Knee Tendon Bursitis include:

  • Individuals are advised to add low-impact activities to their exercise program, in order to avoid repetitiveness
  • Healthy body weight: Maintain an active lifestyle to avoid weight gain
  • Individuals, who consume a healthy diet regularly, may decrease their chances of developing Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome
  • Individuals, who participate in any high-risk sport, such as football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of injuring their knee, or other joints
  • Wearing appropriate footwear (such as wearing the proper shoe size), may help prevent accidents
  • Individuals, whose occupation requires them to kneel at work, should wear suitable kneepads
  • Regular stretching before exercising can help decrease the incidence of this condition 

What is the Prognosis of Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • A majority of Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome heals without any serious complications and hence, the prognosis is excellent
  • A full recovery and a return to sports, work, or normal daily activities, usually require 3-4 weeks, depending on whether a surgery was performed
  • If properly treated and rehabilitated, a high percentage of individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in their injured knee 

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Anserine Tendinobursitis Syndrome:

  • Kneecap bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa within the kneecap 

The following article link will help you understand kneecap bursitis:
http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/kneecap-bursitis/

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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