Baker Cyst
(Popliteal
Cyst)
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
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Cyst Symptoms and Causes
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 A cyst is a closed sac- or bladder-like structure that is
not a normal part of the tissue where it is found. Cysts are common and can
occur anywhere in the body in persons of any age. Cysts usually contain a
gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substance. Cysts vary in size; they may be
detectable only under a microscope or they can grow so large that they displace
normal organs and tissues. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.
Cysts can arise through a variety of processes in the body, including...
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What is a Baker cyst?
A Baker cyst, also called a popliteal
cyst, is swelling caused by knee joint fluid protruding to the
back of the knee (popliteal area of the knee). When an excess of knee joint fluid is compressed by the body weight between the bones of the knee joint, it can become trapped and separate from the joint to form a fluid-filled sac, referred to as a Baker cyst. The name of the cyst is in memory of the
physician who originally described the condition, the British surgeon William Morrant Baker
(1839-1896).
What causes a Baker cyst?
Baker cysts are not uncommon and
can be caused by virtually any cause of joint swelling (arthritis). The most
common form of arthritis associated with Baker cysts is
osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis. Baker cysts also can
result from cartilage tears (such as a torn meniscus),
rheumatoid arthritis, and other knee problems.
What are symptoms of a Baker cyst?
A Baker cyst may cause no symptoms or be associated with
knee pain and/or tightness behind the knee, especially when
the knee is extended or fully flexed. Baker cysts are
usually visible as a bulge behind the knee which is
particularly noticeable on standing and comparing to the
opposite uninvolved knee. They are generally soft and
minimally tender.
Baker cysts can become complicated by protrusion of
fluid down the leg between the muscles of the calf (dissection). The cyst can
rupture, leaking fluid down the inner leg to sometimes give the inner ankle the appearance of a painless
bruise. Baker cyst dissection and rupture are frequently
associated with swelling of the leg and can mimic
phlebitis of the leg.
How is a Baker cyst diagnosed?
Baker cysts can be diagnosed with the doctor's
examination and confirmed by radiological testing (either
ultrasound, contrast dye into the knee called arthrogram,
or MRI scan).
How is a Baker cyst treated?
Baker cysts often resolve with removal of excess knee
fluid in conjunction with cortisone injection. Medications
are sometimes given to relieve pain and inflammation.
When cartilage tears or other internal knee problems are
associated, surgery can be the best treatment option. During a surgical
operation the surgeon can remove the swollen tissue
(synovium) that leads to the cyst formation.
Reference:
Clinical Primer of Rheumatology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens, edited by William Koopman, et. al., 2003.
Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et.al., 2000.
Last Editorial Review: 1/18/2008
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