Baker’s Cyst

Introduction

A popliteal cyst, also called a Baker’s cyst, is a soft, often painless cyst on the back of the knee. A cyst is usually nothing more than a bag of fluid. These cyst occur most often when the knee is damaged due to arthritis, gout, an injury, or from inflammation of the joint lining. Treatment of the cyst is most successful when the underlying cause of the cyst is also treated. Otherwise, the cyst can reoccur.

Rarely, the cyst can cause pressure on blood vessels causing swelling or other problems in the leg. A ruptured popliteal cyst can be very painful. The symptoms caused by a popliteal cyst can mimic more serious problems. Therefore, careful clinical evaluation is important.

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Degenerative Joint Disease

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is a common problem for many people after middle age. Osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as degenerative, or wear and tear arthritis.

Anatomy

What is osteoarthritis?

The main problem in osteoarthritis is degeneration of the articular cartilage that covers the joint. This results in areas of the joint where bone rubs against bone. Bone spurs may form around the joint as the body’s response.

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Meniscus Injury

Introduction

The meniscus is a commonly injured structure in the knee. The injury can occur in any age group. In younger people, the meniscus is fairly tough and rubbery, and tears usually occur as a result of a fairly forceful twisting injury. In older people, the meniscus grows weaker with age, and meniscal tears occur as a result of a fairly minor injury, even from the up and down motion of squatting.

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