Burst Baker cyst
A Baker cyst can normally regress on its own. However, if it is ignored or actually not noticed and simply continued, a rupture (tear) may occur. A sudden shooting pain occurs. The problem is that due to the metabolic processes in the inflamed knee, there is an increased amount of waste products and inflammation mediators in the fluid. There is a risk that the fluid that leaked out through the rupture will now cause inflammation and an increase in pressure in the surrounding tissue.
Anatomy of the knee
The knee joint is the largest joint in our body and is formed by the interaction of three bones, the femur, the tibia and the patella. Since the femur ends round and the tibia flattens out, there are auxiliary devices, such as the menisci, which compensate for the inequalities in shape and allow unimpeded joint movement. Nevertheless, the joint is subject to extreme stress, which together with the anatomical structure leads to relatively frequent injuries. Torn meniscus and ligaments in athletes, arthrosis and rheumatism in older patients – all possible triggers for a Baker cyst.
Summary
The Baker’s cyst is a bagging of the joint capsule in the hollow of the knee. It is usually caused by a longstanding disease or injury in the joint, which is accompanied by inflammatory symptoms. Due to the increased production of fluid, it collects in the capsule, which finally sags in the direction with the least resistance – the hollow of the knee.
The therapy of the Baker’s cyst is only successful if the underlying disease is recognized and treated (often arthrosis or rheumatism), so it can usually and with good cooperation of the patient be performed conservatively. If the inflammation in the knee recedes due to the therapy, the Baker cyst will also regress. Surgery is performed when the Baker cyst becomes too large and thus exerts painful pressure on important structures such as nerves and vessels, which can have serious consequences. Even in the case of an operation, the basic treatment must still be included, otherwise the Baker cyst will always return after the operation.