Spinal lipomas: clinical spectrum, embryology, and treatment.
Spinal lipomas, particularly lipomas of the conus medullaris and terminal filum, are the most common form of occult spinal dysraphism and represent a wide spectrum of disease with regard to anatomy, clinical presentation, and treatment options. These lesions, however, are united by a similar embryology and pathological mechanism by which symptoms arise. Recently, the treatment of these lesions has generated much controversy, with some physicians advocating surgical treatment for all patients regardless of symptoms and others proposing that surgery be withheld until symptoms develop. The authors discuss lumbosacral spinal lipomas, with particular attention to the theories of their origin, anatomical and pathological features, and treatment options, including a review of current controversies.
Finn
Michael A
MA
Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113, USA.
Walker
Marion L
ML
D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004626:Embryology; D006801:Humans; D008067:Lipoma / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*