Baker’s Cyst: What Is It?
Baker’s cyst is an abnormal collection of synovial fluid. It was described for the first time in 1840 by Adams, but it was Baker who published an extensive exposition about it, hence the name of this pathology.
There are insufficient data to establish the exact prevalence of this disease, since the percentage varies depending on the diagnostic technique used. Therefore, it is estimated that Baker’s cyst is present in a segment of the population that varies between 5 and 38%.
Some studies indicate that Baker’s cyst occurs in 26% of people between the ages of 31 and 50. Likewise, it appears in 53% of adults between 51 and 90 years of age. However, there is no total consensus regarding the validity of these figures.
What is Baker’s cyst?
Baker’s cyst, or popliteal cyst, is an abnormal accumulation of joint fluid or synovial fluid at the back of the knee, commonly called ‘hamstring’. In this way, a lump is formed that sometimes causes some discomfort.
When the knee does not work properly, or has a problem, more synovial fluid is produced. This is known as ‘joint effusion’. As a result of this, the excess fluid accumulates and gives rise to the appearance of Baker’s cyst.
Synovial fluid, or joint fluid, fulfills the role of lubricating the knee. It begins to accumulate because the synovium, which is a layer that covers the joint , is weakened. If this happens, the cyst forms behind the knee, in an area that is technically known as the ‘popliteal fossa’.
Why it occurs
As already noted, excess synovial fluid production occurs when there is a knee problem. This can happen at any age, so it is always important to pay attention to any joint problems.
In young people, Baker’s cyst usually appears as a result of trauma. It usually arises after a knee ligament injury or a torn meniscus. Only in very few cases is it the result of joint wear.
In the case of older people, the most frequent cause of this pathology is inflammatory or degenerative processes. Mainly, it is due to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
How is Baker’s cyst detected?
The most common is that Baker’s cyst does not present any symptoms. It just looks like a bulge at the back of the knee. It feels soft to the touch, as if it were filled with water. However, in some cases it can break; if so, it causes pain, swelling and bruising.
Some people may experience some stiffness or difficulty flexing the knee. If the cyst is compressing veins or nerves, the pain can be frequent and also cause some difficulty in walking. More incisive pain can also occur after exercising.
It is very important to see a doctor if the lump appears at the back of the knee, since either it is a Baker’s cyst, or it may be a blood clot. In some cases, it is a deep vein thrombosis.
Facts to consider about Baker’s cyst
Usually, a Baker’s cyst is found simply with a physical exam performed by the doctor. Sometimes a transillumination test is done, which involves projecting light through the bump; This will reveal that the dough is full of liquid.
However, Baker’s cyst is not considered a serious condition and therefore usually does not require treatment. The usual thing is that rather it seeks to correct the cause that produces it, either an injury or a basic disease.
Only if there are bothersome symptoms, in some cases surgery is chosen. However, this is very rare, as it can cause damage to nearby blood vessels or nerves. Likewise, there is a high probability that the cyst will reappear after the intervention.
These types of cysts do not cause long-term damage and usually have intermittent symptoms; that is, they appear and disappear several times. It is very rare that they cause limitations and, in general, those who suffer from it improve with time.
