Wednesday, April 21, 2010

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.

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