Abstract
A ruptured Baker’s cyst is a rare presentation and may mimic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or acute thrombophlebitis. In rare cases, it may present with infection or compartment syndrome. We present our experience related to a case of a ruptured Baker’s cyst and its management. A 54-year-old female presented to us with knee pain, which was initially managed conservatively. After six weeks, she came to us with severe pain and swelling in her left calf and foot. It was an acute presentation and DVT was suspected initially. Ultrasound color Doppler showed no DVT and then MRI revealed it to be a ruptured Baker’s cyst. The patient was subsequently managed conservatively and her condition improved in 12 weeks of follow-up. A high index of suspicion and knowledge is required to diagnose a ruptured Baker’s cyst, and most of the patients respond well to conservative management.
Highlights
Baker’s cyst, known as a popliteal cyst, is formed due to fluid accumulation in the pre-existing bursae at popliteal fossa [1]
A ruptured Baker’s cyst is a rare presentation and may mimic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or acute thrombophlebitis. It may present with infection or compartment syndrome
The patient was subsequently managed conservatively and her condition improved in 12 weeks of follow-up
Summary
Baker’s cyst, known as a popliteal cyst, is formed due to fluid accumulation in the pre-existing bursae at popliteal fossa [1]. We present a case of a ruptured Baker’s cyst and discuss its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and our experience in managing the patient. After 1.5 months, she presented with severe swelling in the left lower limb extending from knee to foot. On careful questioning, she gave a history of pain exacerbation while doing vigorous exercises of quadriceps and hamstring. She stated that she had noticed some fluid going down the leg. This prompted us to suspect a ruptured Baker’s cyst, and an MRI of the leg was performed. On subsequent follow-ups at two weeks, six weeks, and 12 weeks, the swelling completely subsided and the patient became pain-free
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