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Bursitis, Pes Anserine (Pes Anserine Syndrome)

Jennifer Schwartz, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • The pes anserinus (“goosefoot”) is the combined insertion of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus tendons on the anteromedial tibia.

  • There is a bursa that lies under the pes an...

DIAGNOSIS

Largely a clinical diagnosis 

HISTORY

  • Medial knee pain at the pes anserine insertion is the most common complaint.

    • Pain is located 4 to 6 cm below the medial joint line on the anteromedial aspe...

TREATMENT

Pes anserine bursitis is often self-limited. Conservative therapy is most common: 
  • Relative rest and activity modification to avoid offending movements (especially knee flexion)

  • Ice to the aff...

ONGOING CARE

Home exercise program focusing on flexibility and strengthening 

DIET

Consider dietary changes as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program if obesity is a contributing factor. 

PROGNOSIS

M...

REFERENCES

1
Glenn SH, Daniel CH. Pay Attention to the Pes Anserine in Knee Osteoarthritis. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2018;17(2):41.
2
Sarifakioglu B, Afsar SI, Yalbuzdag SA, et al. Comparison of ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Alvarez-Nemegyei  J. Risk factors for pes anserinus tendinitis/bursitis syndrome: a case control study. J Clin Rheumatol.  2007; 13(2): 63– 65.  [Vie...

CODES

ICD10

  • M70.50 Other bursitis of knee, unspecified knee

SNOMED

73105000 pes anserinus bursitis (disorder) 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Consider pes anserine syndrome in patients presenting with medial knee pain.

  • Pes anserine syndrome is relatively common in athletes and in older, obese patients with OA.

  • Tenderness over ...

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