Baker's Cyst - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Baker Cyst

Baker Cyst Description

Relatively common cause of knee pain and swelling.

Baker's Cyst Cause

Joints contain a lubricating (synovial) fluid within a synovial membrane that totally encloses the joint. A cyst can form at the back of the knee when part of the synovial membrane pushes out between two muscles to form an outpocketing. Commonly occur in athletes who stress their legs (eg. long distance runners).

Baker Cyst Symptom

A lump behind the knee that causes no discomfort, or it may become inflamed and tender, or most seriously, it may rupture to cause sudden severe pam.

Investigation

Presence can be proven by an ultrasound scan.

Baker's Cyst Treatment

Surgical excision before rupture. With a ruptured cyst the patient is rested, the leg is kept elevated, and steroids are injected into the knee to protect the joint lining from the loss of fluid and seal the leak.

Prognosis of Baker Cyst

Good.