A Baker's/Popliteal cyst typically presents with which finding?

• A. Popliteal fullness—often assoc with OA
• B. Knee pop
• C. Finkelstein's Test
• D. Drawer sign

Answer: (A)

A Baker's cyst shows up as a palpable swelling or fullness behind the knee in the popliteal area. This happens when the gastrocnemius-soleus bursa becomes distended and can even communicate with the knee joint, so it often enlarges in the setting of intra-articular knee problems. Because of its location, the most characteristic finding is popliteal fullness, which many patients notice as a lump or soft mass behind the knee. This is commonly seen with degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis and other inflammatory knee conditions, and the cyst may fluctuate in size with activity or knee effusions. Sometimes it ruptures, causing calf pain that can mimic other conditions, but the key exam feature remains the visible or palpable fullness behind the knee.

Other options point to different knee issues: a general knee pop can occur with various problems and isn’t specific to a Baker’s cyst, Finkelstein’s test targets De Quervain’s tenosynovitis of the thumb, and a drawer sign reflects cruciate ligament laxity.