Baker’s cyst

​Emergency

If the patient is febrile or systemically unwell, please refer them to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice via phone to on-call consultant/registrar

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

Solid mass on ultrasound.

Note: consider diagnoses other than Baker's cyst (for example tumour) and refer to most appropriate specialty

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days.

Confirmed Baker's cyst on ultrasound

Note: The treatment of Baker's cyst is almost always non-operative. Management largely consists of provision of education to the family, even when symptomatic

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral
  • Details of the presenting condition
  • Provisional diagnosis
  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions), including specifically:
    • ultrasound (knee)

If available

  • Nil​

Important information for referring health professionals

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.


 

Current as at: Monday 23 March 2026
Contact page owner: System Purchasing