What is a "Baker's Cyst?"
Monday October 9, 2006
A Baker's Cyst, also called a 'popliteal cyst,' is a collection of fluid in the back of the knee. Calling this problem a cyst is misleading for patients as a Baker's Cyst is not a growth. A Baker's Cyst is the name given to a collection of fluid in the back of the knee. The fluid within a Baker's Cyst is normal joint fluid that has been over-produced, usually because of inflammation from within the knee. A Baker's Cyst is not a tumor or cancer, and cannot spread to other parts of the body.
The most common causes of Baker's Cysts are the common causes of excess fluid in the knee. These causes of fluid accumulation include:
Treatment of a Baker's Cyst is focused on the treatment of the underlying problem that is causing fluid accumulation within the knee. Often treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or may include surgery such as knee arthroscopy.
Comments
Can you have this on top of the head?
No. A Baker’s Cyst is specific to the knee. Other types of cysts can be on the head, but a Baker’s Cyst refers specifically to the problem of fluid collection behind the knee.
I am 56 white female. A recent trip to the ER for a knee injury resulted in a diagnosis of a meniscus tear. The knee injury (which felt like a popped rubber band and sounded like a loud “POP”) turned out to be a rupture of a Baker’s cyst on my left knee. 3-4 days off of the knee helped, but I think it is returning. Don’t want to do surgery yet. Can Baker’s cysts go away without intervention or do I HAVE to pursue more aggressive treatment?
A Baker’s cyst can either resolve over time, or diminish in size. If there is a large meniscus tear causing the cyst, the Baker’s cyst may tend to return if the meniscus tear is left untreated. That said, there is almost never a situation where you have to have further treatment. If you want to live with the symptoms, that is an option. Talk to your doctor about the various alternative treatments.
can a baker cysts cause swelling in lower leg i had a doppler r/o dvt stated i had a 7 x2.5cm baker cysts and need to the ortho md. once the cyst is drained will my lower leg return to normal
I am so very disgusted. I have 2 holes in the front of my knee because back in 2005 I had a cartilege tear and had it taken care of supposedly! I had a baker’s cyst before the dr. told me I had torn cartilege.
The bump is back again. My left knee hurts like crazy. I don’t know whether or not the orthopedic surgeon is liable for this. He is in another state?
My 7yr old just got diagnosed with a baker cyst on his left knee, is it common for children? All my research shows only adults?
In answer to a few of the posts, as this blog post explains, a Baker’s cyst is simply a sign of excess fluid within the knee joint–it is not a true cyst.
If you are trying to figure out why you have a Baker’s cyst, you need to figure out what is causing the knee to produce excess fluid.
The Baker’s cyst, in and of itself, is rarely a problem. Most often, it is simply a sign that there is something going on inside the knee to produce excess fluid. Once that excess fluid is present, it often collects in the back of the knee and people call that a Baker’s cyst.
Regards,
Jonathan Cluett, M.D.
Orgionaly the cyst was behind my knee. Can a Baker cyst.tear away,I can press down above my knee cap press it(The cyst) down to my kneecap and watch it move upwards again
What is the usual treatment for a ruptured Baker’s Cyst where an MRI shows meniscus tear and fluid running down the inside leg to the calf?
Dear Maddy,
When the cyst ruptures, that is treatment enough. The body will absorb the fluid.
However, as I have said above, if the cuase of the cyst (usually a meniscus tear or cartilage problem) is not addressed, the Baker’s cyst may come back.
Regards,
Jonathan Cluett, MD
About Orthopedics
http://orthopedics.about.com/
I am 4 weeks post total right knee replacement with a hisory of DVT after my left TKR. I just had a doppler/ultrasound of my right leg due to complaints of swelling and pain (my calf was not red) in my right calf, the results were “Bakers Cyst” that was most likly ruptured. Can this be a reoccuring issue after complete healing of a knee replacement? Is there any way to avoid it? Thank you, Lynette
Last year I was diagnosed with a Baker’s cyst behind my right knee then about 7 months later I noticed the same thing behind my left knee. I did PT for a while and was told to continue the exercises at home, which I do periodically. My questions to you are: 1)If the cysts don’t go away, can this turn into something paralyzing as I get older? 2) Is it best for me to consider surgically aspirating both Cysts? 3) Will I still have fluid that should naturally be around my knee joints or will they one day have to inject me with artificial joint fluid? Hope you can answer all my questions. Thank you!
Had a scare over the weekend. Recently underwent an arthroscopy on my right knee and 17 days later noticed swelling and pain down to my right foot. A trip to the eemergency dept of a public hospital had me fearing DVT. A blood thinning injection was administered and I was sent home with a referral for an ultrasound. Found out today that it was a ruptured Baker’s cyst. My right calf feels quite sore, is certainly still swollen. I was wondering how long will it remain like that? Will the pain and swelling go away? Can anyone please offer me some advice? Thanks,
Maria
My 4 year old son has what appears to be a baker’s cyst. Should I go directly to a pediatric orthopedic practice for a diagnosis?
Dear Lisa,
Your pediatrician should be able to evaluate this and refer you if needed.
Regards,
Jonathan Cluett, MD
About Orthopedics
we think our 2 year old has a bakers cyst, we go to a specialist next week to find out for sure. What can we expect at the appointment? (mri, ultrasound, blood work?)
I have a ruptured Baker’s cyst, went to community hospital to r/o DVT via Doppler U/S, all negative. What is the treatment for the calf pain and swelling in the leg, ankle, foot?
Thanks,
Billy
Hello, I bumped into this while trying to figure out what a bakers cyst reawlly was. I’ve had one for about 6 months and it isn’t really bothering me or causing any pain at all. I don’t have any medical insurance so that’s one of the reasons I haven’t see a doctor about it, what is the worse that can happen if left untreated. And how much would it cost for someone with no medical insurance to get this properly treated. I’m 20 years old if that helps, and I’m pretty sure I tore something when I was working out that most likely caused this.
-Thanks
I had a xray done in the ER on 6/13/09 they found a cyst of fluid behind the knee cap can you tell me if that has to be remove by surgery or can be treated in other form the cyst according the doctor she said it was small but I am concern about it.
Thank you
Prprinc511@aol.com
My lower left leg is swollen all the way to my ankle. Yes, I have a small tear in my miniscus and a Baker’s cyst. A cortisone shot was given but, I wonder the reason for the leg being swollen. My job keeps me on my feet most of the day and I try to wear “good” walking shoes. Any idead or should I continue to see the sport orthopedic doctor about this? Thank you.
Hi.
I just noticed this Baker’s Cyst… as most people here, it’s right on the back of my left knee. I would still not noticed it if my dad didn’t ask “Does that lump hurt?”… he even said he saw it since few days ago. It doesn’t hurt at all, even when I push it so hard, it just doesn’t hurt. I don’t know if it’s Baker’s Cyst, but if not, then what could it be?
You (Jonathan Cluett) said this lump may be caused by Meniscus Tear, and I’m guessing I have it… or some other type of Arthritis and if yes, it’s been there since I’m about 10 years old? (Now I’m 23)
My other issues:
1) I can’t fully bend my left knee (comparing it with the right knee). It doesn’t hurt when I bend my knee, but whenever I force to completely bend it, then there the pain comes.
2) My left knee (the upper-left side if you look at it, or the upper-right if I myself look at it) will feel hurt when the weather is cold or bad, or even if the weather is Ok as long as it’s (bad) cold. When I hold that knee part, it hurts. And when I bend that knee, it now hurts. And when all these happen, that knee part feels warm.
Any opinion on my issues?
Very much thanks.
My son was diagnosed with a Baker’s cyst 5 years ago. It has never gone away, and has never bothered him. He is 12 now and last week we noticed one on his other knee and it is a lot larger than the other and it hurts to straighten and bend it. He says the pain is about a 6 or 7 out of 10 sometimes. These are not the result of any injury. He hasn’t done anything out of the ordinary. His dr. referred us to a pediatric surgeon, but can’t see us for 2 weeks. My questions for you are: 1. I was wanting to know if this is rare for it to occur in both knees? 2. Are there any alternative remedies besides ice and ibuprofen to help, like anything to do with diet, etc.? Thank you!