Baker's Cyst

Popliteal Cyst

Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled sac on the back of the knee.

Soft bulge near the midline behind the knee joint or in the upper calf Baker's cyst usually does not cause any pain before it ruptures. It can cause mild pain or discomfort behind the knee, especially when exercising. If the cyst ruptures, it may cause a painful swelling of the lower leg. The symptoms of a ruptured cyst are similar to Thrombophlebitis of the lower leg.

Baker's cyst is a secondary problem to a disorder of the knee with a persistent joint effusion, where the excess joint fluid leaks and forms a cyst on the back of knee. Other knee problems associated with a baker's cyst are Osteoarthritis of the knee, gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis and meniscus tears.

A baker's cyst can only be diagnosed from the symptoms and a physical examination. The cyst is not seen with a simple X-ray. Ultrasonography or arthrogram may show the cyst. In the case of a ruptured cyst, further tests are needed to differentiate with other disease like Thrombophlebitis.

Cysts are usually resolved spontaneously after the treatment of an underlying disease. Aspiration of cyst fluid with cortisone injections into the cyst may reduce the size of the cyst and its inflammation If the cyst is large and causes pain, surgical removal is recommended.

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