Baker's Cyst Injuries, Complications, Diagnosis

The knee is a hinge joint situated between the thigh bone and shin bones. The entire joint is enclosed inside a tough capsule lined with a membrane and filled with lubricating synovial fluid. Extra capsules or sacs of fluid, known as bursae, cushion and help reduce friction between tissues, produced by movement. Baker's cyst is a pronounced swelling on the back of the knee, caused by the abnormal collection of fluid inside the bursae. The symptoms are mild unless the cyst bursts or extends down into the calf muscles. Common causes of Baker's cyst include arthritis, infection, torn knee cartilage and other knee injuries. Baker's cyst is also known as a popliteal cyst.

Symptoms
Baker's cysts may have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include:

• A pronounced soft lump or swelling on the back of the knee
• The lump looks most obvious when the person is standing
• A sensation of pressure in the back of the knee joint
• Persistent pain or aching
• Restricted mobility of the joint
• A sensation of tightness at the back of the knee when the leg is straightened.

• Injury - trauma or injury to the knee can cause an accumulation of fluid (effusion), which triggers Baker's cyst.
• Torn cartilage - usually affecting the cartilages that bolster the knee joint on both sides.
• Arthritis - particularly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
• Infection - local infection can cause fluid retention around the knee joint.
• Unknown causes - Baker's cysts can sometimes develop in children for no apparent reason.

• The cyst continues to grow, causing the symptoms to worsen
• The cyst may extend down into the calf muscles (dissection)
• The cyst can burst and cause bruising on the ankle of the affected leg, due to leaked fluid.

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Joint x-ray
• Shining a light through the cyst (transillumination) can determine that the mass is fluid filled.
• Magnetic imaging resonance (MRI) or computed tomographic (CT) scan
• Ultrasound.

• Treatment for the underlying cause, such as medication for arthritis or surgery for torn knee cartilage.
• Temporarily avoiding activities that aggravate the knee joint.
• Cortisone injections.
• Inserting a needle into the cyst and draining off the fluid.
• In severe cases, surgery to remove the cyst entirely.
• Soft tissue therapy, including massage.
• Physiotherapy exercises to increase mobility and strength.
• Conservative treatment is recommended with children as it commonly subsides spontaneously.

• Warm up the knee joints and soft tissue by gently going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching the muscles.
• Wear supportive footwear appropriate to your activity.
• Try to turn on the balls of your feet, rather than through your knees.
• Cool down after sport by performing gentle and sustained stretches.
• If you injure your knee, stop your activity immediately, apply ice packs to treat the swelling and seek medical advice.

• Your doctor
• Sports medicine professional
• Orthopedic surgeon

• The knee contains sacs of fluid, called bursae, that help to cushion the joint.
• Baker's cyst is a pronounced swelling on the back of the knee, caused by the abnormal collection of fluid inside the bursae.
• Treatment options include drawing off the fluid with a needle, cortisone injections, or surgery to remove the cyst.

Contact KneeVitality for more information