About Curtis J. Edwards, MD, FACS Expertise Can answer general and vascular surgery questions, trauma, burns, some plastic surgery questions, general gastrointestinal surgery and gastrointestinal medical questions and questions regarding aviation medicine.
Experience Board certified general surgeon. Seventeen years practice experience in general, vascular, and no-cardiac thoracic surgery and endoscopy.
Organizations College of Surgeons, AMA, Aerospace Medical Assoc., Civil Aviation Medical Assoc.
Education/Credentials BA, MD, American Board of Surgery, Fellow American College of Surgeons, seventeen years practice all phases, including teaching.
Question I have read numerous articles about what seems certainly to be a Baker's cyst on the back of my left knee. The best and quickest solution to this problem seems to be surgically removing the cyst completely. I am assuming the cause of this cyst is my overuse of my left leg when I play basketball. Since I am right-handed and start all moves with my left foot that side takes a harder pounding than my right leg. My left ankle is always sore especially after a hard game, or two, or three. My question is, after the cyst is removed and proper therapy completed will I be able to play as hard as I did before . Do many athletes get this, and would a surgeon specializing in sports medicine be the best choice for the surgery. Please tell me I will not have to stop running and playing ball since I enjoy it immensely. I definitely don't want to wait 6,12, or 18 months for this to go away on its own. I know there are things that could have caused this condition other than what I call "overuse". I will get any other repairs made at the same time the cyst is removed if it need be, and----does there always have to be an underlying problem with the knee or can it just be my "overuse" theory----I have no problems at all with the knee other than the golf ball size cyst that does shrink a little when I rest. I presently do not run or play ball. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
George Roma
Answer I have not examined you or the patient in question, reviewed the medical record, associated laboratory studies, or imaging. What follows is offered to you for information purposes, only and does not constitute treatment. I advise an examination from a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any course of treatment.
Surgical correction of the Baker's Cyst will eliminate the risk of a deep venous thrombosis and the attendant complication of a potentially fatal pulmonary embolus. Discuss the exercise limitations and rehabilitation after the surgery. Most patients return to full and active lifestyles after several months. I don't put much faith in your "overuse" theory as every NBA and NCAA basketball player would be on an operating table.
