Palpation of the anserine bursa

The anserine bursa is located between the medial collateral ligament and the conjoined tendon formed by the gracilis, sartorius, and semitendinosis tendons. The entire tibial plateau is palpated to distinguish the localized tenderness of anserine bursitis from the more extensive tenderness of the medial collateral ligament. The patella and the tibial tubercle are marked with a pen. Tenderness at the level of the tibial tubercle is compared with tenderness at the medial joint line and the medial femoral condyle.