Baker's Cyst

Abstract

Baker's cysts are located in the posteromedial region of the knee between the medial belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and semimembranosus tendon. In adults, these cysts are related to intra-articular lesions, which may consist of meniscal lesions or arthrosis. In children, these cysts are usually found on physical examination or imaging studies, and they generally do not have any clinical relevance. Ultrasound examination is appropriate for identifying and measuring the popliteal cyst. The main treatment approach should focus on the joint lesions, and in most cases there is no need to address the cyst directly. Although almost all knee cysts are benign (Baker's cysts and parameniscal cysts), presence of some signs makes it necessary to suspect malignancy: symptoms disproportionate to the size of the cyst, absence of joint damage (e.g. meniscal tears) that might explain the existence of the cyst, unusual cyst topography, bone erosion, cyst size greater than 5 cm and tissue invasion (joint capsule).

Ultrasound-guided treatment of common peroneal neuropathy caused by Baker’s cyst: a clinical note - A case report -

“…Distention of the popliteal bursa, such as the gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa, is known as Baker’s cyst [ 1 – 3 ]. Baker's cyst is usually connected to the knee joint by a valvular opening, and is commonly associated with intra-articular diseases and inflammation, such as meniscus tears, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…Usually, Baker’s cyst presents with an asymptomatic course or mild pain; however, it can sometimes present with moderate to severe complications, including compartment syndrome, thrombophlebitis, and entrapment neuropathy [ 2 ]. Diagnosis is based on the patient’s past medical history, pathological examination, and imaging workup such as MRI [ 2 , 3 ]. If there is no neuropathological complication, only conservative treatment is required [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…Diagnosis is based on the patient’s past medical history, pathological examination, and imaging workup such as MRI [ 2 , 3 ]. If there is no neuropathological complication, only conservative treatment is required [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…Baker’s cysts are commonly developed in the posterior aspect of the knee, mostly within the gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa [ 1 , 2 ]. Baker’s cysts are mainly caused by intra-articular pathologies such as osteoarthritis and meniscus tears [ 3 ]. Baker's cysts may present with various symptoms and complications.…”

“…Baker's cysts may present with various symptoms and complications. Common symptoms include swelling and pain, but many are asymptomatic [ 1 , 3 ]. Complications include compartment syndrome, thrombophlebitis, and entrapment neuropathy.…”