Popliteal cyst
(Redirected from Popliteal (Baker) Cyst)
Background
- Also known as Baker's cyst
- Develops posteriorly and inferiorly to the knee as herniation of the synovial membrane of the knee capsule
- The cyst communicates with the knee joint and is the leading cause of posterior knee pain
Clinical Features
- Pain/swelling of posterior knee
Differential Diagnosis
Knee diagnoses
Acute knee injury
- Knee dislocation
- Knee fractures
- Meniscus and ligament knee injuries
- Patella dislocation
- Patellar tendonitis
- Patellar tendon rupture
- Quadriceps tendon rupture
Nontraumatic/Subacute
- Arthritis
- Gout and Pseudogout
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Patellofemoral syndrome (Runner's Knee)
- Patellar tendonitis (Jumper's knee)
- Pes anserine bursitis
- Popliteal cyst (Bakers cyst)
- Prepatellar bursitis (nonseptic)
- Septic bursitis
- Septic joint
- DVT
Calf pain
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Calcaneal bursitis
- Cellulitis
- Compartment syndrome
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
- Distal leg fractures
- Gastrocnemius strain
- Ruptured popliteal cyst (Bakers cyst)
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
Evaluation
Management
- Treatment is conservative; excision may be required in some cases
Disposition
- Discharge