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Baker's
cyst is a fluid-filled sac on the back of the
knee.
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- Soft bulge near the midline behind the knee joint or in the upper calf
- Baker's cyst usually does not cause any pain before it ruptures. It can cause mild pain or discomfort behind the knee, especially when exercising.
- If the cyst ruptures, it may cause a painful swelling of the lower leg. The symptoms of a ruptured cyst are similar to Thrombophlebitis of the lower leg.
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- Baker's cyst is a secondary problem to a disorder of the knee with a persistent joint effusion, where the excess joint fluid leaks and forms a cyst on the back of knee. Other knee problems associated with a baker's cyst are Osteoarthritis of the knee, gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis and meniscus tears.
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A baker's cyst can only be diagnosed from the symptoms and a physical examination. The cyst is not seen with a simple X-ray. Ultrasonography or arthrogram may show the cyst.
In the case of a ruptured cyst, further tests are needed to differentiate with other disease like Thrombophlebitis.
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- Cysts are usually resolved spontaneously after the treatment of an underlying disease.
- Aspiration of cyst fluid with cortisone injections into the cyst may reduce the size of the cyst and its inflammation
- If the cyst is large and causes pain, surgical removal is recommended.
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