[Lipofibroma of the median nerve. Apropos of a case]

Lipofibroma is a rare, benign nerve tumour corresponding to diffuse fibroadipose infiltration of the nerve, dissociating the fasciculi without invading them. The authors report a case of lipofibroma of the median nerve in a 32 year old man presenting with a soft swelling of the palmar surface of the thumb. Treatment consisted of intraneurodissection of the tumour arising exclusively from the medial collateral nerve of the thumb. With a follow-up of two years, there has been no recurrence of the tumour, but the patient has persistent decreased sensation of the ulnar half of the thumb pulp. The features of the lipofibroma and the therapeutic options are discussed in the light of the data reported in the literature.