Bakers Cyst

Question 1

What causes a bakers cysts

Answer 1

1. No know definite cause
2. Occurs when an effusion is present as with an injury or arthritis

Question 2

Where will the swelling of a bakers cyst be present?

Answer 2

1. In the popliteal space/posterior knee
2. Between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and semimembranosus muscles posterior to the medial femoral condyle

Question 3

How will a patient present with a bakers cyst? (PE)

Answer 3

1. Pain (with standing, full flexion, and extension)
2. Posterior knee swelling or feeling of fullness (flexion “can’t bend knee”)
3. Complaints of stiffness/decreased flexion
   **Cysts may be visualized when standing behind the patient

Question 4

What labs to order>

Answer 4

1. MRI
   *will fully evaluate the mass
   *with arthrogram (inject in the front of the knee)
2. Ultrasound

Question 5

What are the complications?

Answer 5

1. May rupture and cause acute posterior knee and calf pain
2. (Rarely) compress blood vessels and cause DVT

Question 6

Will the cyst reoccur?

Answer 6

1. Yes unless the underlying cause is corrected

Question 7

What is the treatment?

Answer 7

1. Usually nothing unless symptomatic
2. Compression
3. NSAIDS
4. Aspirations/ with cortisone (helps with inflammation)
5. Surgery
   *not recommended