Prepatellar bursitis (also known as
beat knee,
carpet layer's knee,
coal miner's knee,
housemaid's knee,
rug cutter's knee, or
nun's knee) is an inflammation of the
prepatellar bursa at the front of the knee. It is marked by swelling at the knee, which can be tender to the touch but which does not restrict the knee's
range of motion. It is most commonly caused by
trauma to the knee, either by a single
acute instance or by
chronic trauma over time. As such, prepatellar bursitis commonly occurs among individuals whose professions require frequent kneeling.