Baker's Cyst

The indications for surgery for a Baker's cyst are: ① persistent pain unresponsive to conservative treatment, ② symptoms of nerve or blood vessel compression, ③ recurrent rupture, and ④ the presence of a loose body within the cyst. In cases that do not fall under these categories (the majority), non-surgical conservative treatment is the priority. Korean traditional medicine serves as a crucial pillar of conservative treatment in terms of controlling underlying joint inflammation and promoting cyst absorption. From a Korean medical perspective, non-surgical treatment is possible in the early to mid-stages, when accumulated waste fluid is still thin and stagnant blood has not yet mixed in. At this stage, the intensive application of both external and internal therapies can simultaneously lead to cyst absorption and improvement of the underlying lesion. Conversely, collaborative Western and Korean medicine is recommended when stagnant blood has hardened into a solid mass or when complications are present. At Dongjedang, we honestly explain the realistic feasibility of Korean traditional medicine-only treatment during the initial consultation and propose collaborative treatment if necessary.