$Unique_ID{BRK00327}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is the "Beat Knee"?}
$Subject{beat knee bursa nun's knee}
$Volume{N-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is the "Beat Knee"?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  You frequently provide your readers with interesting material for
medical trivia games when you research out the meanings of strange terms, or
the identity of a disease with a strange name.  Would you like to try out your
talents on a condition called "Beat Knee"?  I would be interested in your
findings.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  This one is a real snap, barely a challenge for it has so many
synonyms that it is hard to miss.  It is also called Coal miner's knee,
housemaid's knee, carpet layer's knee, and nun's knee, but its medical name is
prepatellar bursitis.  As the more descriptive names indicate it results from
unaccustomed work involving kneeling, or prolonged periods of kneeling.  The
resulting irritation to the bursal sac causes it to produce more than the
normal amount of serous fluid.  It may also result from an infection to the
bursal sac that covers the knee cap.  In the acute stage, there is swelling
and pain and tenderness to the area of the knee as a result of additional
fluid formed in the bursal sac, which in the case of infection may be pus.  An
x-ray of the knee is always indicated to be sure there is no unsuspected bony
injury.  Treatment will depend upon the causes, and the type of fluid
produced.  If there is much pain the physician may elect to aspirate the
fluid, reduce the swelling, and then bandage the knee with compressive elastic
bandages.  If infection is present, pus should be drained and antibiotics
prescribed.  Of course, protective knee pads are a must if the condition was
caused by an occupational "beating".
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
