Parosteal lipoma as a rare cause of peripheral neuropathy and local irritation: A report of 12 cases

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and functional results of patients with parosteal lipomas.

Methods: A total of 12 patients (8 females and 4 males; mean age: 45 (10-62) years) with parosteal lipomas who were treated between April 1986 and April 2014, were included into the study. The medical records of the patients were reviewed to analyze the clinical features and functional results of the patients.

Results: Of the 12 lipomas, 5 were localized in the proximal arm, 4 in the forearm, 1 in the distal arm, 1 in the distal thigh and 1 in the distal tibia. All patients presented with a progressive, slow-growing mass that was associated with thumb extension weakness in 1 case, and brachialgia-like symptoms in 1 case. Plain radiographs showed a juxtacortical mass in all cases and irregular ossification in 3 cases. In all cases, marginal excision was performed and no clinical recurrence was observed after a mean follow-up of 16 months.

Conclusion: Parosteal lipomas are uncommon tumors that can be diagnosed with their characteristic radiological features. Parosteal lipomas occurring in the proximal radius may easily cause paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve or muscle weakness.

Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Keywords: Juxtacortical mass; Neuropathy; Parosteal lipoma.