Infrapatellar bursitis

Infrapatellar bursitis, also known as pastor's knee, is inflammation of the superficial or deep infrapatellar bursa.^[1][4] Symptoms may include knee pain, swelling, and redness just below the kneecap.^[3] It may be complicated by patellar tendonitis.^[2]

Infrapatellar bursitis
Other names	Pastor's knee,[1] Vicar's knee,[2] clergyman's knee[3]
Cross section of the human knee
Types	Superficial, deep[4]
Risk factors	Kneeling, crawling[5]
Diagnostic method	Based on symptom and physical examination[2]
Differential diagnosis	Patellar tendonitis, prepatellar bursitis[6]
Frequency	Relatively rare[5]

Risk factors include kneeling or crawling.^[5] It may also be brought on by frequent bending of the knees while standing, squatting, running, or jumping.^[2][7] Diagnosis is generally based on symptom and physical examination.^[2] When the deep bursa is involved, bending the knee generally increases the pain.^[3] Other conditions that may appear similar include patellar tendonitis and prepatellar bursitis.^[6]

Treatment is generally by rest, alternating between ice and heat, and NSAIDs.^[2] Infrapatellar bursitis is relatively rare.^[5] Due to the kneeling being enjoined in church services, infrapatellar bursitis has also been called pastor's knee, vicar's knee and clergyman's knee.^[1][2][3]