Baker's Cyst

A baker's cyst is a fluid filled sac and are found in the popiteal region of the knee. These capsule may contain a gaseous or semisolid substance. Baker's cyst are formed from fluid built up with in the knee joint that over time becomes compressed into a sac. The name Baker came from the physician William Morrant Baker who originally described this condition. This fluid sac may be the result of an injury to the meniscus or arthritis in the knee. Symptoms may include pain, tightness behind the knee while fully flexed or extended. Some patients may not present any symptoms at all. These may be diagnosed by an examination, with ultrasound, or MRI scans. Some patients have these cyst drained or injected with cortisone shots to relieve symptoms. Arthroscopic surgery may be used to surgically remove the baker cysts.

Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cyst is a fluid filled sac that grow out of connective tissue between muscles and bones of tendons. Constant stress to the wrist seems to be a common indicator for developing ganglion cysts. Most are not painful, but some that are large enough to press on nerves may become painful. Ganglion cysts may be diagnosed with ultrasound or MRI scans. On an MRI these cysts appear very bright on T2 scans and dark on T1 scans. Treatment may include immobilization since constant activity my cause the ganglion cyst to get bigger. Aspiration or draining the ganglion cyst may help relieve the pain. Finally, surgery may be utilized, but there is no guarantee the cyst will not grow back.