title: Deep and superficial infrapatellar bursae: cadaveric investigation of regional anatomy using magnetic resonance after ultrasound-guided bursography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the anatomy of the deep and superficial infrapatellar bursae using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and anatomic correlation in cadavers.
  
  
  METHODS
  MR imaging of the infrapatellar bursae of nine cadaveric knees was performed after ultrasound-guided bursography. The images were compared with those seen on anatomic sectioning. Histologic analysis was obtained in two specimens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The deep infrapatellar bursa (DIB) was visualized in all specimens (n=9) and the superficial infrapatellar bursa (SIB) in five specimens (55%). The mean dimensions of the DIB in the craniocaudal, mediolateral, and anteroposterior planes were respectively 25, 28.7, and 6 mm, and for SIB 19.5, 21.2 and 2.2 mm. A fat apron dividing the DIB was depicted in eight knees (89%). Lateral extension of the DIB beyond the patellar tendon was observed in 100% of cases. Cadaveric analysis depicted a thin septum in the SIB in four of five cases (80%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The DIB is generally present and extends beyond the lateral margin of the patellar tendon. A fat apron partially separating this structure is usual. The SIB is not an unusual finding and may have a septum separating its compartments.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs Medical Center - San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
authors.forename: Flavio C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Viegas
authors.forename: Rodrigo O C
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Aguiar
authors.forename: Emerson
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gasparetto
authors.forename: Edson
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marchiori
authors.forename: Debbie J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Trudell
authors.forename: Parviz
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Haghighi
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Resnick
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001175:Arthrography; D002061:Bursa, Synovial / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002102:Cadaver; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media