Parapatellar recesses are the anatomical 'gutters' alongside the patella or kneeap.
Relevance of the parapatellar recesses
When there is excess fluid in the joint, it may show up on imaging as a white highlight in the parapatellar recess, as well as in the recess above the patella, which is called the suprapatellar pouch. These areas may also be involved if adhesions form in the knee after there has been inflammation.
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