Knee: Baker cyst: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Knee: Baker cyst

Sample item

A patient with knee osteoarthritis has a swelling in the popliteal fossa that becomes tense in extension. Where does this cyst lie?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Between the semimembranosus tendon and the medial head of gastrocnemius

A Baker (popliteal) cyst is a synovial fluid distension of the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa communicating with the knee joint. In adults, it indicates underlying intra-articular pathology. Rupture can mimic deep vein thrombosis.

Option by option

  • A. Over the tibial tuberosity

    The tibial tuberosity is related to Osgood-Schlatter disease.

  • B. Between the biceps femoris and the lateral head of gastrocnemius

    The lateral side is not the usual location.

  • C. Between the semimembranosus tendon and the medial head of gastrocnemius (correct)

    Correct. The cyst lies between the semimembranosus and medial gastrocnemius.

  • D. In the prepatellar region

    The prepatellar region is the site of housemaid's knee.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Between the semimembranosus tendon and the medial head of gastrocnemius. A Baker (popliteal) cyst is a synovial fluid distension of the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa communicating with the knee joint.

Why is "Over the tibial tuberosity" not the answer?

The tibial tuberosity is related to Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Why is "Between the biceps femoris and the lateral head of gastrocnemius" not the answer?

The lateral side is not the usual location.

Why is "In the prepatellar region" not the answer?

The prepatellar region is the site of housemaid's knee.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Knee: Baker cyst in Orthopaedics. In adults, it indicates underlying intra-articular pathology. Rupture can mimic deep vein thrombosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Knee: Baker cyst?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.