Lumbosacral lipomas: critical survey of 26 cases submitted to laminectomy.

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Abstract
Twenty-six cases of lumbosacral lipoma were encountered in a series of 100 consecutive cases of spina bifida occulta. These cases included 4 adults and 22 children ranging in age from 8 months to 12 years. Associated clinical abnormalities mainly affecting 1-lower limb, but occasionally both, were seen in 19 of the cases. In 18 of the 26 patients the lumbosacral lipoma had a direct connection with the spinal cord, (conus medullaris or filum terminale) or with the cauda equine. The remaining 8 had abnormalities affecting the neural tissue which could be alleviated surgically. Of the patients with physical abnormalities, 1 was worse following the operation, 1 showed deterioration 5 years later, 9 showed some improvement and 7 were unchanged. Any operation done to remove a lumbosacral lipoma should include an exploration of the underlying spinal cord and cauda equina. If no direct connection is found it may well be that another abnormality may be located which can then be surgically corrected.

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