Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)

(Part 2 )

We continue our discussion of the Baker’s Cyst!

Symptoms

Some Baker’s cysts cause no symptoms and are only discovered by accident during a physical exam or when an MRI scan is performed for some other reason. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

∙         A feeling of fullness or a lump behind the knee

∙         Knee pain

∙         Stiffness or tightness at the back of the knee

∙         Swelling in your knee and lower leg

If the cyst becomes very large, it can interfere with blood flow in the veins of your leg. This can cause pain, swelling, weakness, or even numbness if there is nerve compression. Very rarely, the cyst can even burst.

Sometimes the symptoms of a cyst may resemble those of a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis, a much more serious problem. If you have increasing pain and swelling in your calf, it is important to seek medical care right away to rule out a blood clot.

Doctor Examination

Medical History and Physical Examination

 Your doctor will take a full medical history and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will also ask whether you have had a previous knee injury.

Your doctor will then perform a careful examination of your affected knee, comparing it to your “normal” knee. During the exam, the doctor will look for:

∙         Swelling

∙         Instability of the joint

∙         A clicking or popping noise when you bend your knee

∙         Joint stiffness and limited range of motion

Your doctor will also palpate (apply pressure to) the back of your knee where the cyst is located.

Often, a cyst will become firm when the knee is fully extended and soft when the knee is bent.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests may be ordered to help confirm the diagnosis and provide more information about your condition.

X-rays

 X-rays provide images of dense structures, such as bone. Although a cyst cannot be seen on an X-ray, your doctor may order one to look for narrowing of the joint space and other signs of arthritis in the joint.

Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. An ultrasound will help your doctor see the lump behind your knee in greater detail and determine whether it is solid or filled with fluid.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These tests produce clear pictures of the body’s soft tissues. Your doctor may order an MRI scan to learn more about your cyst and to look for a meniscus tear or another underlying condition. (To be continued).