Description Of A Baker’s Cyst And Its Characteristics
A baker’s cyst is an abnormal accumulation of synovial fluid. Adams first described it in 1840, but Baker published a comprehensive study of it. That’s where the name came from.
There are not enough data to determine the exact incidence of this disease. This is because the percentage varies depending on the diagnostic technique. Thus, estimates suggest that the Baker cyst affects a segment of the population ranging from 5 to 38%.
Some studies show that Baker’s cyst is present in 26% of people between the ages of 31 and 50. It also occurs in 53% of adults between the ages of 51 and 90. However, there is no agreement on the validity of these figures.
Bakers cyst
A Baker’s cyst is an abnormal accumulation of synovial fluid at the back of the knee. This is commonly called the hind thigh. It is a knot that leads to discomfort.
A defective knee produces more synovial fluid, and we call it “joint shedding.” It is precisely this excess fluid accumulation that leads to the formation of a Baker’s cyst.
The synovial fluid lubricates the knee. It begins to accumulate because the synovial membrane, a layer lining the joint, weakens. The cyst is formed behind the knee when this happens. This area is technically known as “popliteal fossa”.
Causes
As mentioned above, a defective knee produces excess synovial fluid. It can happen at any age, so it is important to always be aware of joint problems.
The baker’s cyst usually occurs as a result of trauma in younger people. It is usually after an injury to the knee ligament or a meniscus injury. Only a few cases are due to wear and tear in the joint.
The most common causes of this condition in the elderly are inflammatory or degenerative processes. It is mainly due to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Diagnosis of a Baker’s cyst
A Baker’s cyst is usually asymptomatic and appears merely as a bulge on the back of the knee. It is soft to the touch, as if filled with water. However, in some cases it can rupture and cause pain, swelling and bruising.
Some people experience stiffness or difficulty bending the knee. Pain can be frequent and lead to certain difficulty walking when the cyst affects veins or nerves. There may also be more extensive pain after exercise.
It is important to consult a doctor if you have a lump on the back of your knee because it is either a Baker’s cyst, a superficial blood clot, or a deep vein thrombosis.
Things to keep in mind about a Baker’s cyst
A doctor can detect this type of cyst by a simple physical examination. They can perform a transillumination examination, which involves shining through the nodule. This will reveal a liquid-filled mass.
In any case, a Baker’s cyst is not considered a serious condition and therefore does not usually require treatment. Instead , the usual approach is to correct the cause, whether it is an injury or an underlying illness.
It can cause damage to nearby blood vessels or nerves. Therefore, doctors only recommend surgery for cases of really bothersome symptoms. However, these surgeries are rare because there is a high probability that the cyst will reappear after the surgery.
Cysts of this type do not cause long-term damage and usually have intermittent symptoms that come and go. It is rare that they lead to limitations and the people who have them usually get better with time.
