Differential Diagnosis for Pain and Tenderness just above and medial to Patella
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Prepatellar bursitis: This condition, also known as housemaid's knee, is characterized by inflammation of the prepatellar bursa, which is located just above the patella. The symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the area, making it a likely diagnosis for pain and tenderness just above and medial to the patella.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Medial patellar plica syndrome: This condition involves irritation of the medial patellar plica, a fold of synovial tissue in the knee joint. It can cause pain and tenderness in the area medial to the patella.
- Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury: The MPFL is a ligament that connects the patella to the femur. An injury to this ligament can cause pain and tenderness in the area medial to the patella.
- Pes anserine bursitis: This condition involves inflammation of the pes anserine bursa, which is located on the medial aspect of the knee, just below the level of the patella. While it's more commonly associated with pain below the patella, it can sometimes refer pain to the area just above and medial to the patella.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Septic arthritis: Although less common, septic arthritis is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the knee joint, including the area above and medial to the patella.
- Osteonecrosis of the patella or femur: Osteonecrosis, or avascular necrosis, is a condition where the bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply. It can cause pain and tenderness in the affected area, including the area above and medial to the patella.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hoffa's fat pad syndrome: This condition involves inflammation of the infrapatellar fat pad, which is located below the patella. While it's more commonly associated with pain below the patella, it can sometimes refer pain to the area just above and medial to the patella.
- Saphenous nerve entrapment: The saphenous nerve runs down the medial aspect of the knee and can become entrapped, causing pain and tenderness in the area, including above and medial to the patella.