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Baker's cyst - Overview

Alternative Names

Popliteal cyst; Bulge-knee

Definition of Baker's cyst:

Baker's cyst is a buildup of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A Baker's cyst is caused by swelling in the knee. The swelling is due to an increase in synovial fluid - the fluid that lubricates the knee joint. When pressure builds up, fluid bulges into the back of the knee.

Baker's cyst commonly occurs with:

A tear in the meniscal cartilage of the knee
Knee arthritis (in older adults)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Other knee problems

Baker's cyst

Reviewed last on: 6/13/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Foley BA, Christopher TA. Injection therapy of bursitis and tendinitis. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Proceedings in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2009:chap 52.

Huddleston JI, Goodman SB. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr., et al., eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 42.

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