Baker's cyst: etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, differential diagnosis of complications: A review

Abstract

Bakers cyst (BC) is a common condition and can be caused by both inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders. Small BCs are usually asymptomatic and accidentally revealed. Large BCs present with pain and discomfort in the posterior knee as well as certain limitations of mobility. Large BCs may rupture resulting the fluid efflux down into the calf, which in turn presents with acute pain and number of potential thrombotic and neural complications. On another note, BC rupture requires differentiation with some urgent conditions such as venosus or arterial thrombosis, soft tissue infections etc. In this article we present some aspects of the etiopathogenesis, clinical signs and course of the BC. We also discuss the problematic issues of assessment and diagnostic work-up in case of BC ruptures.