Baker's Cyst

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Baker's Cyst

Authors, Editors, Case Information Author: Kathy Vidlock, MD Affiliation: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Co Author(s): none Senior Editor: Laura Mattson, DO Clinical Vignette: A 62-year-old female presented with one month of atraumatic right posterior knee swelling. Her exam was normal except for noted mild popliteal fossa swelling. Type of Probe Used: Linear 12-3 MHz Unlabeled Short Axis View of the Popliteal Fossa Unlabeled Short Axis View of the Popliteal Fossa Labeled Short Axis View of the Popliteal Fossa Labeled Short Axis View of the Popliteal Fossa with a large anechoic area of fluid between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the semimembranous tendon. Unlabeled Short Axis View of a Baker's Cyst Aspiration Unlabeled Short Axis View of a Baker's Cyst Aspiration with an in-plane approach from lateral to medial Interpretation Image Interpretation: Hypoechoic fluid present between the semimembranousus and medial gastrocnemius tendons consistent with a baker's cyst. Teaching Pearl: Baker cysts are common and arise between the distal semimembranosus and proximal medial gastrocnemius tendons through a posterior capsular communication. Identifying these landmarks are essential in evaluating lesions of the posterior knee to confirm the diagnosis of a Baker's Cyst, especially prior to any possibly intervention to avoid inadvertant attempted aspiration of a malignancy or vascular lesion. Ultrasound confirms the typical location and can describe size, complexity, septations, debris, and rupture or leakage into the calf. Baker cysts may be left alone or aspirated depending on symptoms, but they often reflect intra-articular pathology. Treating the cyst without considering osteoarthritis, meniscal tear, inflammatory arthritis, or persistent effusion increases recurrence risk. References: 1. Liu K, Li X, Weng Q, Lei G, Jiang T. Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for the assessment of Baker’s cysts: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2022;17(1):535. doi:10.1186/s13018-022-03430-9 2. Wisniewski SJ, Murthy N, Smith J. Ultrasound evaluation of Baker cysts: diagnosis and management. PM R. 2012;4(7):533-537. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.02.008 3. Frush TJ, Noyes FR. Baker’s cyst: diagnostic and surgical considerations. Sports Health. 2015;7(4):359-365. doi:10.1177/1941738113520130
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Authors, Editors, Case Information

Unlabeled Short Axis View of the Popliteal Fossa

Labeled Short Axis View of the Popliteal Fossa

Unlabeled Short Axis View of a Baker's Cyst Aspiration

Interpretation

UPCOMING EVENTS

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