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Baker's cyst - popliteal cyst |
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Baker's cyst - popliteal cyst
Baker’s cysts are benign cystic tumors found on the back of the knee joint. The cyst forms with an accumulation of fluid between the 2 groups of muscles behind the knee. This cyst may form from an injury or inflammation of the membrane lining of the knee joint. You notice a bulge behind your knee, and you feel tightness back there, too. The pain gets worse when you fully extend your knee or when you're active. What could be the cause? A likely explanation is that you have a Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst. A Baker's cyst is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker's cyst. Treating the larger problem usually relieves the swelling and discomfort of a Baker's cyst. These cysts occur most often in adults between 55
and 70, and in children between 4 and 7 years old.
As many as one in five people with other knee
problems develop a Baker's cyst.
When to seek medical advice If you're
experiencing pain and swelling behind your knee, see your doctor to
determine the cause. Treating the underlying condition, such as
rheumatoid arthritis or a cartilage tear, usually relieves the swelling
and discomfort of a Baker's cyst. In rare cases, a bulge behind your
knee may be a tumor rather than a fluid-filled cyst.
Screening and diagnosis A noninvasive
imaging scan, such as an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
scan, can help distinguish between a simple cyst and a tumor, which
could be cancerous. If your doctor suspects a blood clot in your leg
(deep vein thrombosis), he or she may suggest an ultrasound of your leg
or other tests to exclude the possibility of a blood clot.
Complications Rarely, a Baker's
cyst bursts and synovial fluid leaks into the calf region, causing sharp
pain in the knee, swelling and sometimes redness of the calf. These
signs and symptoms closely resemble those of a blood clot in your leg.
If you have swelling and redness of your calf, you'll need prompt
medical evaluation because a blood clot may require urgent treatment.
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