Baker�s Cyst

Creator: Dr. Talla Veena
Keywords: Baker�s cyst, popliteal cyst, bulge knee, arthroscopy, Baker�s cyst causes, Baker�s cyst symptoms, Baker�s cyst diagnosis, Baker�s cyst treatment

Author - Dr. Talla Veena, M.B.B.S

Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Feb 01, 2020

What is Baker's Cyst?

Baker's cyst is also called as Popliteal Cyst, as the fluid accumulates in the popliteal space of the knee. Baker's cyst most commonly affects people over the age of 40 years, but can affect even children. Often women are more commonly affected than men. (1^✔)

Pre-existing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cartilage tear and other knee conditions predispose to the development of a Baker's cyst.

Flexion or extension or movement in the knee causes pain at the back of the knee. The cyst usually communicates with the knee joint by a valve-like mechanism and this helps the presence of fluid that contributes to the formation of the cyst.

In case of rupture of a Baker's cyst swelling, severe pain and bruising are seen at the back of the knee and calf region.

Usually Baker's cyst resolves on it's own. But in case of large and painful swelling treating underlying conditions like arthritis or cartilage tear helps in resolution of the Baker's cyst. (2^✔)

Symptoms of a Baker's Cyst

Swelling/ tightness on the back of the knee
Pain at the back of the knee on movement of the knee
Stiffness of the knee joint

Reduced range of movement in the joint due to pain and bulging on the back of the joint
If the cyst ruptures - Swelling, excruciating pain, bruising on the back of the knee and calf can occur

Diagnosis and Treatment for Baker's Cyst

Diagnosis of a Baker's cyst is mainly with physical examination and history of development of symptoms like sudden pain and swelling at the back of the knee or after a trauma to the knee.

It is important to rule out other conditions like deep vein thrombosis or tumors which can present with similar symptoms. For this purpose certain investigations like Ultrasound knee, trans-illumination of the swelling, plain X-rays of the knee.

Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are best for its diagnosis and of the two MRI has become the modern imaging modality of choice for its diagnosis. (3^✔)

Treatment of a Baker's cyst usually depends upon the size and it's presentation. Small cysts, which are asymptomatic usually resolve on their own. In case the cyst is large and painful, treating the underlying cause like arthritis is helpful. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and rest are useful in this situation.

If the pain is still persistent, then injecting corticosteroids into the swelling is helpful to reduce pain. Aspiration of fluid from the cyst is also useful in reducing the pain.

Physical therapy with icing, compression wrap and strengthening exercises are useful in improving the knee function. It is advised to use a crutch for walking in order to reduce strain on the affected knee.

In case of recurrent Baker's cyst or a painful cyst, arthroscopic surgery for removal of the cyst is indicated. Maintaining an optimal weight can reduce the risk of recurrence of a Baker's cyst. (4^✔)

References:

Baker's Cyst - An Overview - (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bakers-cyst/)
Baker�s Cyst - Diagnostic and Surgical Considerations - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4481672/)
How is a Baker's Cyst Diagnosed? - (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bakers-cyst)
About Baker's Cyst - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4799332/)

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