Tibial nerve entrapment by a Baker cyst: case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Degenerative joint disease of the knee can present with complex symptoms.
• Baker cysts are common complications of knee osteoarthritis.
• Nerve entrapment syndromes can mimic other conditions.

Observation:

• A patient with bilateral knee osteoarthritis developed a Baker cyst.
• Initial symptoms included pain and swelling, with venography revealing deep venous thrombosis.
• Electromyography and nerve conduction studies were key to diagnosing concurrent nerve entrapment.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of Baker cyst with associated nerve entrapment was confirmed via electrodiagnostic studies.
• The patient experienced relief following knee joint aspiration and intraarticular corticosteroid injection.
• Improvement in the flexor hallucis longus muscle was noted at follow-up.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of electrodiagnostic testing in evaluating complex knee pathologies.
• Early diagnosis and targeted treatment of nerve entrapment secondary to Baker cysts can improve patient outcomes.
• Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for managing patients with combined orthopedic and neurological conditions.