Baker cyst
Musculoskeletal system
Congenital disorders
Degenerative and metabolic disorders
Degenerative disc disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease (traction apophysitis)
Osteomalacia and rickets
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Osteoporosis
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Paget disease of bone
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Spondylolysis
Spondylosis
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Gout
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Rhabdomyolysis
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Psoriatic arthritis
Raynaud phenomenon
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Scleroderma
Sjogren syndrome
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Spondylitis
Baker cyst
Bursitis
Iliotibial band syndrome
Inclusion body myopathy
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Transient synovitis
Traumatic and mechanical disorders
Lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis
Sciatica
Achilles tendon rupture
Anterior cruciate ligament injury
Meniscus tear
Patellar tendon rupture
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
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Unhappy triad
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Erb-Duchenne palsy
Klumpke paralysis
Sciatica
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Ulnar claw
Winged scapula
Dislocated shoulder
Radial head subluxation (Nursemaid elbow)
Rotator cuff tear
Other disorders
Musculoskeletal system pathology review
Bone disorders: Pathology review
Gout and pseudogout: Pathology review
Muscular dystrophies and mitochondrial myopathies: Pathology review
Pediatric musculoskeletal disorders: Pathology review
Myalgias and myositis: Pathology review
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: Pathology review
Scleroderma: Pathology review
Seronegative and septic arthritis: Pathology review
Sjogren syndrome: Pathology review
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Pathology review
Bone tumors: Pathology review
Back pain: Pathology review
Flashcards
Baker cyst
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Questions
USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE
0 of 1 complete
USMLE® Step 2 style questions USMLE
0 of 1 complete
A 47-year-old man presents to the emergency department with left lower extremity pain and swelling. The patient was outside jogging when he suddenly felt a “pop” with associated pain behind the left knee. The left lower extremity has become progressively more swollen and painful over the past few hours. The patient recently traveled to the United States from London. Past medical history is notable for hypertension. Vital signs are within normal limits. Bilateral lower extremity pulses are normal and equal. Physical examination reveals a swollen and tender calf and ecchymosis at the popliteal region. Anterior and posterior drawer tests are negative. An ultrasound of the left calf is shown below. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Image reproduced from Wikimedia Commons
Image reproduced from Wikimedia Commons
External References
First Aid
2024
2023
2022
2021
Baker cyst p. 457
tibial nerve injury p. 457
Knee injuries/conditions
Baker cyst p. 459
Summary
A Baker cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee. It's caused by a buildup of fluid in the joint space between the femur and tibia (the bones of the leg), and is most often seen in people with joint degenerative diseases such as arthritis.
Symptoms of a Baker cyst can include pain, swelling, and stiffness behind the knee. In some cases, the cyst may rupture and release its contents into the surrounding tissues, causing more pain and swelling.