Above my patella is swollen... what does that mean?

It depends....: There is an area above your knee called the pre-patella bursa. This can become swollen for a variety of reasons including trauma, overuse, and some forms of arthritis. Rest, ice, elevation, and compression of the area should help as well as taking something like Alieve or ibuprofen.

Another doc answered this question and believes u meant anterior or superficial to patella. When u say above patella, I believe u mean superior to patella and therefore I suspect u have joint effusion. Knee effusion (fluid on your knee) has a long list of possibilities. Common causes are trauma, arthritis, & internal derangement. Infection & inflammation are possible & I recommend u see a doctor