Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma Involving the Tibial Nerve

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pathology
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Fibrolipomatous hamartomas (FLHs) are benign tumors characterized by mature fat and fibrous tissue.
• They predominantly affect the median nerve in the upper extremity.
• Extra-median FLHs, particularly in lower extremity nerves, are exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first known case of a fibrolipomatous hamartoma involving the tibial nerve.
• To conduct a comprehensive literature review of extra-median FLH cases.
• To contribute to the understanding of FLH in rare nerve distributions.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 48-year-old male with tibial nerve FLH.
• Systematic review of English-based literature for extra-median FLH reports.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, imaging, and surgical findings.

Main Results:

• The study details a unique case of FLH in the right tibial nerve.
• The literature review identified a limited number of extra-median FLH cases.
• Findings highlight the variability in anatomical location and presentation of FLH.

Conclusions:

• Fibrolipomatous hamartomas can occur in unusual nerve locations, such as the tibial nerve.
• Extra-median FLHs, though rare, represent a distinct clinical entity requiring careful diagnosis.
• Further case reports are essential to fully delineate the spectrum of fibrolipomatous hamartoma involvement.