Baker’s Cyst After Knee Replacement

A Baker’s cyst resolved in only a small number of patients (15%) one year after TKA and symptoms from the cysts persisted in 31%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1185-8.[1]

What is a Baker’s Cyst?

If you have ever felt that painful swollen lump behind your knee you likely know what a Baker’s Cyst feels like.

It is usually about the size of a small egg. It gets pinched when you flex your knee to end range of motion and stretched when you straight your knee into full extension. 

It is a common symptom before total knee replacement surgery however in a large percent of the population the cyst remains present after surgery but is no longer symptomatic.

Home Remedies for a Baker’s Cyst

The most common home remedy for a Baker’s cyst is icing. Placing an ice bag on the back of your knee for 10 to 15 minutes is a common way to reduce the pain associated with cyst.

Massage is another common method. Applying a hypoallergenic lotion or oil to the area behind the knee and performing gentle gliding motions in an upward direction toward the heart may help reduce pain, improve fluid exchange, and faciliate healing of the irritated tissue.

Baker’s Cyst After Knee Replacement

In one study, more than 70% of participants still had a cyst 12 months after total knee replacement surgery. Only 31% of those participants continued to have pain or limitation associated with the Baker’s cyst.

Pinching Behind the Knee

After total knee replacement surgery, patients may experience a pinching sensation behind the knee while stretching into knee flexion. This could be caused by compression of the Baker’s cyst.

Baker’s Cyst Knee Flexion

Pulling Behind the Knee

If the Baker’s is swollen and inflammed you may feel a pulling sensation behind the knee when stretching the knee into full extension.

References:

1. Hommel H, Perka C, Kopf S. The fate of Baker’s cyst after total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint J. 2016 Sep;98-B(9):1185-8. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.98B9.37748. PMID: 27587518.