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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Do I need an operation on my knee?

    Related Topic
    Musculoskeletal Health
    MRI shows my knee has a bakers cyst,tearing & joint effusion?
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Ryan Hislop
    • Tony (Anthony) Stanley
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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    Treatment for a Baker's cyst of the knee primarily involves treatment of the underlying cause of the condition. Some Baker's cysts may require no treatment and cause little or no symptoms.Generally, patients with this condition should rest, ice, compress and elevate the knee in the first 48 – 72 hours of injury. Anti-inflammatory medication may also help to hasten healing and recovery by reducing the pain and swelling associated with inflammation.Patients with a Baker's cyst should perform pain free flexibility and strengthening exercises as part of their rehabilitation to ensure an optimal outcome. In patients who are not responsive to appropriate conservative treatment, drainage of the bakers cyst (aspiration) followed by injection of a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation may help to settle the condition and hasten recovery. In rare cases surgery to the Baker's cyst may be indicated.

    Surgical intervention is rare and involves removing the cyst. 

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  • Tony (Anthony) Stanley

    Physiotherapist

    About:I graduated from the University of South Australia in 1997 as a mature age student. I have worked in the hospital setting until 2003. Since, … View Profile

    Sometimes we can treat them. In most cases of effusions we usually give four to six weeks of treatment. Dependant on whether we improve the knee and get rid of them will determine if an operation is needed.
    So you do not necessarily need to go straight to an operation. If it is not improving after that time you may need an operation.

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