| name: | Baker's Cyst |
| also known as: | Popliteal Cyst; Synovial Knee Cyst; Bakers Cyst; Baker Cyst |
| also see: | Removal Baker's Cyst; Popliteal Artery Aneurysm; Superficial Thrombophlebitis |
| description: | A Baker's Cyst is accumulation of a fluid filled, synovial-lined sac in the back of the knee that can be caused by injury, arthritis, gout. Risk is increased with prolonged standing, knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, internal derangement knee such as meniscal damage, and increasing age. Removal of the cyst involves making an incision and removing the cystic structure. Often, if the underlying cause is treated, the cyst might go away. Baker's cysts in children usually resolve on their own and are not operated upon. A large Baker's cyst can compress the popliteal vein and produce a thrombophlebitis-like picture. Although some think a Baker's cyst it derives it's name from bakers who stand on their feet baking, the name is derived from Dr. Baker, who first described it. |
| signs & symptoms: | Includes knee pain and knee swelling behind the knee, as well as a vague ache. |
| diagnosis: | Based on signs, symptoms, history and exam. A Doppler ultrasound, and if needed, an arteriography are performed, for diagnosis and to be sure that the swelling is not a popliteal artery aneurysm. Differential diagnosis includes aneurysm, deep venous thrombosis, lipoma, hematoma, tumor, fibroma. |
| treatment: | Baker's cysts in children usually go away. Baker's cysts in adults need to be differentiated from a popliteal artery aneurysm with ultrasound or arteriography. Symptomatic or bothersome Baker's cysts can be surgically removed, termed removal baker's cyst. Some improvement of symtomatic Baker's cysts might be afforded with aspiration or with injection of the cyst with corticosteroid such as cortisone. Underlying causes should also be treated. |
| prevention: | None. |
| outcome: | Surgery usually resolves the symptoms, including the thrombophlebitis-like picture. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If the person has a swelling behind the knee, associated with a pain and a vague ache |
| go to: | Go to the doctor. |
Last updated 4/3/2008