sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment that will get rid of the cyst.
Baker's cyst is a bulge in the popliteal fossa that is formed as a result of a large amount of fluid getting into one of the popliteal bursae. It is named after the surgeon who first described it - William Maurrant Becker. A large amount of fluid is formed as a result of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; also, this condition can occur as a result of injury.
Anatomy
Every second person has a mucous intertendinous bursa on the back of the knee joint, between the tendons of the semimembranosus and gastrocnemius muscles, which is a variant of the normal anatomical structure. When there is inflammation in the knee joint, fluid accumulates, which can penetrate into the intertendinous bursa through thin cracks. As a result, the bursa increases in size, discomfort and pain appear; movements in the knee joint are limited.
Causes of Baker's cyst development
A popliteal Baker's cyst is formed due to joint diseases and post-traumatic changes in the meniscus.
Symptoms of Baker's cyst
In the early stages, Baker's cyst is asymptomatic or accompanied by mild discomfort. With further enlargement, the cyst begins to compress nearby nerves, causing pain and tingling and limiting knee flexion. During examination, a visible tumor-like formation in the popliteal fossa is sometimes detected. Baker's cyst is elastic and dense to the touch. Its palpation is accompanied by mild pain.
Diagnostics of Baker's cyst
Diagnosis of Baker's cyst is made on the basis of complaints, a characteristic clinical picture and ultrasound examination.
During examination, the cyst is easier to detect when the patient is standing with straight legs; it is easier to palpate when standing with slightly bent knees. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound examination.
Often, the cyst can be detected by chance during MRI.
Complications of Baker's cyst
An enlarged Baker's cyst can lead to compression of the popliteal veins and subsequent blood stagnation, the development of phlebitis and the formation of blood clots. When a Baker's cyst ruptures, fluid from the tendon bursa leaks into the surrounding tissue.
Baker's cyst treatment
A Baker's cyst does not require treatment until it begins to cause discomfort. Often, the symptoms are not associated with the cyst itself, but with the joint disease that led to the formation of the cyst (arthritis, arthrosis, injury, meniscus tear, etc.). Therefore, treatment should be aimed at treating this disease. In addition, the contents of the cyst can be aspirated with the subsequent administration of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
The subsequent accumulation of fluid in the joint, pain and limited movement in the joint can cause sclerosis of the cyst. Sclerotherapy leads to the complete disappearance of the cyst.
cost of Baker's cyst treatment
treatment of Baker's cyst of the 1st degree of complexity (up to 4 cm in diameter) with sclerotherapy 15,000 rubles.
treatment of Baker's cyst of the 2nd degree of complexity (from 4 to 7 cm in diameter) with sclerotherapy 25,000 rubles.
treatment of Baker's cyst of the 3rd degree of complexity (more than 7 cm in diameter) with sclerotherapy 35,000 rubles.