Baker Cyst(Popliteal Cyst)
by
Sid Kirchheimer DefinitionA Baker cyst is a buildup of joint fluid behind the knee. It creates a tight bump behind your knee. CausesJoint fluid helps the knee move smoothly. A Baker cyst develops when there is too much of this fluid. The extra joint fluid is pushed out to the back of the knee. Extra fluid may be caused by:
In children, Baker cyst may be related to a problem with the bursa. The bursa is a small fluid filled sac between the bone and soft tissue.
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chance of a Baker cyst include:
SymptomsA Baker cyst may cause:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will look for a soft mass in the back of the knee. The range of motion in both knees will be tested and compared. The doctor may also shine a special light through the cyst. This will show that the cyst is filled with fluid and not solid. Images of the knee occasionally needed to look for the cause and extent of the cyst . Images may be taken with: Blood tests may be taken if there may be an infection. TreatmentMany Baker cysts resolve on their own without treatment. They usually go away within a 2-year period. The underlying cause may need treatment. This may include knee repairs or medication to treat medical conditions. Treatment for the cyst itself may be needed if the cyst is painful or interferes with daily activities. Treatment options include:
PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent Baker cysts. RESOURCES:Ortho Info— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org/patient CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org/patient/public-information.html Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org/ References:Calmbach WL, Hutchens M. Evaluation of patients presenting with knee pain: Part II. Differential diagnosis. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(5):917-922. Fritschy D, Fasel J, et al. The popliteal cyst.
Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2006;14:623-628.
Popliteal cyst.
EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116564/Popliteal-cyst
. Updated May 17, 2017. Accessed November 10, 2017.
Torreggiani WC, Al-Ismael K, et al. The imaging spectrum of Baker’s (popliteal) cysts.
Clin Radiol
. 2002; 57:681-691. Ward EE, Jacobson JA, et al. Sonographic detection of baker’s cysts: comparison with MR imaging.
AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2001: 176:373-380. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
|
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |