| Baker's cyst | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Popliteal cyst[1] |
 | |
| Ultrasound image of Baker's cyst | |
| Specialty | Rheumatology  |
| Symptoms | None, swelling behind the knee, stiffness, pain[1][2] |
| Complications | Deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, ischemia, compartment syndrome[2][3] |
| Usual onset | Gradual[1] |
| Risk factors | Knee problems such as osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, rheumatoid arthritis[1][3][4] |
| Diagnostic method | Confirmed by ultrasound or MRI[3] |
| Differential diagnosis | Deep venous thrombosis, aneurysms, ganglion, tumors[1] |
| Treatment | Supportive care, aspiration, surgery[1] |
| Frequency | c. 20%[2][3] |
A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a type of fluid collection behind the knee.[4] Often there are no symptoms.[2] If symptoms do occur these may include swelling and pain behind the knee, or knee stiffness.[1] If the cyst breaks open, pain may significantly increase with swelling of the calf.[1] Rarely complications such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, ischemia, or compartment syndrome may occur.[2][3]
Risk factors include other knee problems such as osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, or rheumatoid arthritis.[1][3][4] The underlying mechanism involves the flow of synovial fluid from the knee joint to the gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa, resulting in its expansion.[1] The diagnosis may be confirmed with ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).[3]
Treatment is initially with supportive care.[1] If this is not effective aspiration and steroid injection or surgical removal may be carried out.[1] Around 20% of people have a Baker's cyst.[2][3] They occur most commonly in those 35 to 70 years old.[4] It is named after the surgeon who first described it, William Morrant Baker (1838–1896).[5]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Hubbard, MJ; Hildebrand, BA; Battafarano, MM; Battafarano, DF (June 2018). "Common Soft Tissue Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders". Primary Care. 45 (2): 289–303. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2018.02.006. PMID 29759125. S2CID 46886582.
- ^ a b c d e f Ferri, Fred F. (2015). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 200. ISBN 9780323378222.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Herman, AM; Marzo, JM (August 2014). "Popliteal cysts: a current review". Orthopedics. 37 (8): e678-84. doi:10.3928/01477447-20140728-52. PMID 25102502. S2CID 35470933.
- ^ a b c d Leib, Ari D.; Roshan, Afghani; Foris, Lisa A.; Varacallo, Matthew (2023-08-04). "Baker's Cyst". StatPearls Publishing. PMID 28613525. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "William Morrant Baker". Who Named It.