I have had a total knee replacement in my right knee. I also have what has been diagmosed as a BAKERS CIST. Please explain what a Bakers Cist is, what causes it and how to treat it. I have had one surgery to have it removed, however it must have come back. There seems to be an extra amount of fluid in the back of my knee. It is very painful, when I walk or get up from a sitting position. Would it help to have the fluid withdrawn. and would there be any danger in this procedure. Thank you very much for answering this question. Looking for ananswer on E-Mail

-- Henry W. Cummings (HWC1716@aol.com), February 12, 2003

Answers

A Baker's cist is caused when fluid inside the knee pushes out through the capsule in the back of the knee and collects under the skin behind the knee. Usually Baker's Cist are caused by some inflammation within the knee and they tend to go away on their own once the knee is replaced. In those cases where a Baker's cist comes or persists after the knee has been replaced can be difficult to treat. Taking them out often results in their coming back again. Asperation is a similar story. Occasionally having the knee injected with steroid will cause the fluid production to decrease and the Baker's cist to shrink. Sometimes direct compression on the knee and icing can also help.

-- Marc W. Hungerford, M.D. (mhunger@jhmi.edu), March 27, 2003.

I just found I have a Bakers Cyst. I have never had a knee replacement. Just hurt it walking down stairs and this is what ultra sound showed up

-- Arlys Alm (alysone@aol.com), January 18, 2004.

I am sorry I do not have an answer, but I would just like to tell you that my nan is currently in hospital having anti-biotic treatment for a bakers cist in the back of her knee that has burst. Her leg is now very infected and is 6" bigger than the other one. So just to let you know that it is dangerous if they burst. My nan is ok by the way.

-- Mrs Kerry Owen (Kerry.owen2@ntlworld.com), March 28, 2004.

I have a Baker's Cist behind my left knee since the late 80's. I have also had my knee scoped to clean up the joints. Doctor reluctant to operate as this is a very difficult spot. I did have it drained and was surprised how much fluid was drawn. It felt simply wonderful but, unfortunately, the cist has returned and am once again in a great deal of comfort. Anti-inflamatory's do help but I may have to live with the discomfort.

-- Eric Deibert (eldeibert@shaw.ca), April 03, 2004.

The back of my Nana`s leg turned like a bruised green color and it scared her because she has cancer and is working to recover she thought it may have gotten worse but it was a bakers cist that had burst! She had never even heard of a baker`s cist and it was very painful but the doctors said it wasnt serious and not to worry

-- Meghan (megsandave4801@hotmail.com), April 29, 2004.

This is not an answer. I have been diagnosed as having a Baker's cist and has leaked fluid and collected in the calf of my leg. Very painful and swollen. My dr told me to have physical therapy. Will this help or hinder my problem?

-- Teen Grigory (teen@grigory.com), July 01, 2004.