Bakers Cyst Flashcards
What is another name for a Baker’s cyst?
Popliteal cyst
What are the borders of the popliteal fossa?
Superiomedial
Semimembanosus
Superiolateral
Biceps femoris
Inferomedial
Medial head of gastrocnemius
Inferolateral
Lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris
What is the pathophysiology of Baker’s cysts?
Secondary to degenerative changes e.g.
Meniscal tears
Osteoarthritis
Knee injuries
Inflammatory arthritis
Synovial fluid from the knee joint is squeezed out and collects in the popliteal fossa
What is the presentation of Baker’s cysts?
Pain or discomfort
Fullness
Pressure
Palpable lump or swelling
Restricted range of motion
What is present on examination of Baker’s cysts?
Apparent when the patient stands with knees fully extended
Foucher’s sign
What is Foucher’s sign?
Lump in popliteal fossa gets smaller or disappears when the knee is flexed to 45 degrees
What can occur if the cyst compresses venous drainage?
Oedema
What causes Baker’s cysts to rupture?
If the pressure is too great due to volume
How does a ruptured Baker’s cyst present?
Pain
Swelling
Erythema
What is a rare complication of a Baker’s cyst rupture?
Compartment syndrome
What are some DDX for a ruptured Baker’s cyst?
DVT
Abscess
Popliteal artery aneurysm
Ganglion cyst
Lipoma
Varicose veins
Tumour
What investigations are used for Baker’s cysts?
USS
First line to confirm diagnosis and rule out DVT
MRI
Evaluate cyst further if needed
Can show pathology e.g. meniscal tear
What is the management of Baker’s cysts?
Only symptomatic Baker’s cysts
Modified activity-prevent exacerbation
Analgesia- NSAIDs
Physiotherapy
US-guided aspiration
Steroid injections
Surgical management
What is the usual reason for surgical management of Baker’s cysts?
Treat underlying pathology contributing to the cyst e.g. meniscal tears
