Effect of Hirudotherapy in Baker’s Cyst

Baker’s cyst is also known as popliteal cyst. There is collection of fluid behind the knee joint & is due to swelling of popliteal bursa. This type of the abnormality usually does not show any symptoms. However in chronic cases with secondary trauma or wear & tear, there may be swelling, pain, tenderness & the affected knee may get stiff. In allopathic medicine the treatment given is purely supportive care and if it does not suffice then aspiration is done. In some cases steroid injection or sclerotherapy is given & if it fails or show recurrence, then surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Keeping the side effects, short falls, recurrence & cost effect in view Hirudotherapy has been used for the treatment of baker’s cyst. Here 5 leeches were applied locally at the popliteal fossa preferably on the swelling. The procedure was done every after 10 days & total number of therapies given were five. It was observed that the cysts was completely resolved in all of the patients and did not show any recurrence even after follow up for 2 year.