Bakers Cyst: A Case Report and its clinical significance

Abstract

The Baker's or Popliteal cyst is a bursa seen between medial head Gastrocnemius and Semimembranosus. This bursa when present usually communicates with the cavity of Knee joint, most of the times being asymptomatic. They can occur due to any intra-articular pathology including bony inflammation, cartilaginous lesions, meniscal or ligament tear, etc. The symptomatic cases are mainly leading to pressure effects due to anatomical vulnerability of surrounding structures. Symptoms related to Popliteal vein compression and Tibial nerve entrapment are the most common clinical presentations. Although, Baker's cyst is a chronic disorder and after treatment also requires follow up to prevent relapses, it causes difficulty in differential diagnosis while presenting in acute state. Ultrasonographic examination and Magnetic Resonance Imaging is important tool to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Surgical resection of the cyst is rarely indicated when intra-articular pathology cannot be diagnosed or its treatment is not responding.

Bakers Cyst Occurrence Following Arthroscopic Medial Meniscal Debridement in a Recreational Athlete: Some Potential Indications for Ultrasound Guided Needle Aspiration

“…BCs or popliteal cysts are bursal enlargements between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and semimembranosus. 5 They are formed by overfilling and distension of the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa with synovial fluid through a communication with the knee joint capsule. 6 They may also be formed by herniation of the synovial membrane through the joint capsule.…”

“…Proximal cyst rupture into the soft tissue of the thigh has also been reported. 26 DUS & MRI avoids misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, 5 [Triveda S et al 2015], with some authors considering DUS the imaging of choice. 27 Kim et al 2014, concluded that DUS differentiated purely cystic masses from more solid lesions and could exclude a DVT.…”

“…Surgical resection is rarely indicated if underlying pathology cannot be identified. 5 Needle aspiration with or without injection of corticosteroid is a common conservative management for and enlarged and painful cyst. This procedure may be performed using anatomical landmarks or under ultrasound guidance.…”