The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Baker’s cyst
A Baker cyst appears as a swelling, which is a fluid-filled cyst or growth that develops behind the knee. In adults it can commonly occur when there's osteoarthritis. Also called a poplitealcyst, a Baker cyst sometime causes pain when bending the knee or trying to fully straightening the leg.
What is a Baker's cyst?
The cyst behind the knee is filled with the lubricating fluid known as synovial fluid and is in the wrong place; this liquid is usually found inside the knee joint. This type of cyst is usually the result of an underlying condition with the knee joint, such as osteoarthritis or even a cartilage tear. The conditions can cause the knee to produce too much fluid.
Our knee experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of cysts, including a Baker’s cyst. The cyst can be sometimes be diagnosed during a physical exam with your knee consultant. However, a Baker's cyst may present in a similar way to a blood clot. Sometimes imaging tests may be required to get an accurate diagnosis.
How to treat a Baker's cyst?
Treatment options vary. If the cyst is large and reducing mobility, the consultant may organise the draining of the cyst using a needle, often performed using an ultrasound, termed needle aspiration.
Sometimes, keyhole or arthroscopic surgery may be arranged to repair the source of the issue - if it is a cartilage tear causing fluid to collect behind in the knee, your consultant may discuss repairing the torn cartilage at the same time as draining the cyst.
Our Baker’s cyst locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.