Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy),

Greetings. Baker cyst, also termed popliteal cyst, results from fluid distention of the gastrocnemio-semimembranous bursa. Arthritis is the most common condition associated with Baker cysts, with osteoarthritis probably being the most frequent cause among the arthritides. The other conditions which can have Baker cyst are Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis, Gout, SLE, etc.

The treatment of Baker cysts is conservative and to treat underlying cause, and includes the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, ice, and assisted weight bearing, in addition to the correction of underlying intra-articular disorders. Internal derangements of the knee can be treated with therapeutic arthroscopy. Total knee arthroplasty is reserved for severe osteoarthritis. Failure of the conservative treatment warrants, endoscopic surgery for Baker cyst and that requires addressing intra-articular causes through arthroscopic surgical procedures. Aspiration is not choice of treatment as it refills and reoccurs.

Dr. Arun