Housemaid’s Knee (Pre-Pateller Bursitis)

Pre-pateller bursitis, also known more informally as “housemaid’s knee”, occurs when the pre-pateller bursa (which lies in front of the kneecap) becomes inflamed. In normal use, this part of the body exists to reduce friction between the knee cap and the overlying skin used when bending the knee. This injury can range in severity from sudden and acute discomfort to long-term, chronic pain. Typically, this can occur due to a fall or blow to the knee or repeated injury due to frequent kneeling (hence the nickname).

Any employee who must engage in kneeling without proper protect is at risk for this condition. If your injury is sustained while performing the duties of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under the law. To make sure you receive all of the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. today at 800-346-5529 for the experienced representation you need.

Symptoms of Pre-Pateller Bursitis

Some of the most common symptoms of pre-pateller bursitis include the following:

• Tenderness or pain on the kneecap or immediately below it
• Swollen kneecaps
• Trouble kneeling
• Fluid-filled lump over the patella
• Tender lump floating under the skin on the kneecap (mostly in chronic cases exclusively)

In the most serious, severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the bursa from the patella completely. If this occurs, you may face high medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, or other costs associated with rehabilitation and recovery. This can put a huge financial burden on your family, especially if the injured individual is the family’s breadwinner. Because of this, it is imperative that you claim all of the workers’ compensation benefits that you are due.

If you face a denial of benefits or wrongful termination following your claim, you may be able to bring your employer to court for an appeal or lawsuit.

Contact Us

To learn more about pre-pateller bursitis or how an attorney can help you claim workers’ compensation benefits, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. today at 800-346-5529.