2. What is a Baker's cyst?
Popliteal cyst is a distend bursa or herniation of
synovial membrane through the posterior part of capsule
of the knee or escape of fluid through normal
communication of bursa with the knee. It is filled with
synovial inside the knee joint. (semimembranosus or
medial gastrocnemius bursa)
most common in children aged 4 to 7 years and in
adults aged 35 to 70 years.
more common in adults than in children.
3.
4.
5. Causes of a Baker's cyst
• A primary Baker's cyst idiopathic Baker's cyst. It
usually develops in younger people and children.
• A secondary Baker's cyst most common type.
Develop if there is underlying problem within the
knee, such as arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis), or a tear in the meniscal cartilage that lines
the inside of the knee joint. or an infection within the
knee joint.
6. Symptoms
Some people do not have any symptoms.
Symptoms can include pain, swelling and tightness
behind the knee especially when standing up.
Larger the Baker's cyst, the more likely it is to produce
symptoms
symptoms related to underlying knee problem such as
arthritis ‘knee pain’
Less commonly, you may feel a sensation of clicking or
locking of your knee.
7. Physical Examination
The popliteal fossa (area behind the knee) may be
swollen
Translumination test :: Positive
If the lump grows quickly or have night pain ,severe
pain ,fever need more test to make sure other type
of tumors
12. Management
• No specific treatment is needed.
• Treatment of any underlying knee problem
• Treatment to help relieve symptoms
Support stockings NSAIDs
Physiotherapy ICE
Fluid drainage Crutches
Cortisone (steroid) injection
Surgery
13. Complications
Rupture (split open).
Deep vein thrombosis even if the cyst does not
rupture.
Infected.
Posterior compartment syndrome
Common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve
compression
14. Home care
R.I.C.E
- R est your leg
- I ce the inflamed area
- C ompress your knee
- E levate your leg ,especially at night