Which symptom is commonly associated with a Baker's cyst presenting behind the knee?

Which symptom is commonly associated with a Baker's cyst presenting behind the knee?

• A. Posterior knee pain
• B. Anterior knee swelling
• C. Medial ankle pain
• D. Lateral knee tenderness

Answer: (A)

Baker's cyst forms when synovial fluid collects in the gastrocnemio–semimembranosus bursa behind the knee, causing a posterior popliteal swelling that is often accompanied by discomfort in the back of the knee. The lump sits in the popliteal fossa, and patients frequently notice posterior knee pain or a sense of fullness there, sometimes with stiffness or limited bend if the cyst is large. Anterior knee swelling would point to fluid in the suprapatellar region rather than behind the knee. Medial ankle pain or lateral knee tenderness suggests other local issues such as ankle or lateral knee pathology rather than a popliteal cyst.

Baker's cyst forms when synovial fluid collects in the gastrocnemio–semimembranosus bursa behind the knee, causing a posterior popliteal swelling that is often accompanied by discomfort in the back of the knee. The lump sits in the popliteal fossa, and patients frequently notice posterior knee pain or a sense of fullness there, sometimes with stiffness or limited bend if the cyst is large. Anterior knee swelling would point to fluid in the suprapatellar region rather than behind the knee. Medial ankle pain or lateral knee tenderness suggests other local issues such as ankle or lateral knee pathology rather than a popliteal cyst.