bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Baker Cysts
Introduction
Baker cysts are small sacs filled with joint (synovial) fluid that form in an extension of the joint capsule behind the knee. A Baker cyst results from an accumulation of trapped joint fluid, which bulges from the joint capsule behind the knee as a protruding sac. Causes of the joint fluid accumulation include Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) , A rapid increase in the amount and pressure of fluid within the cyst can cause it to rupture. The fluid released from the cyst can cause the surrounding tissues to become inflamed, resulting in symptoms that may mimic those of a blood clot in the calf ( Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ). Moreover, a bulging or ruptured Baker cyst can rarely actually cause thrombophlebitis in the popliteal vein (which is located behind the knee) by pressing on the vein. 