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Subdeltoid lipomas: a consecutive series of 13 cases

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Abstract

We describe 13 consecutive cases of patients presenting with shoulder mass and limited function, and to whom we formulated a diagnosis of subdeltoid lipoma. Between 2002 and 2010, 14 patients had a diagnosis of subdeltoid lipoma. Of these, one was excluded from this review because of a concomitant cuff tear. Shoulder was evaluated with X-ray, MRI, EMG and pre-/post-operatively with constant score (CS) and subjective shoulder value (SSV). All patients had complete excision of the mass. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. In 14 cases, the lipoma was causing slight pain or discomfort, and in four cases (28.57 %), it was causing limitation of joint movement. EMG showed axillary nerve neuro apraxia in two cases (14.28 %). Preoperative CS and SSV were on average 80 and 80, respectively. At one-year follow-up, CS and SSV were meanly 92 and 95, respectively (p = 0.034). No recurrence of the lesion was noted. Subdeltoid lipomas quickly grow up and may cause compression of axillary nerve. Surgery is the treatment of these lesions if symptomatic. After complete excision, subdeltoid lipomas do not recur, and clinical signs disappear.

Level of evidence Case series, Level IV.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy

    Stefano Carbone, Vittorio Candela, Daniele Passaretti, Gianluca Cinotti, Giuseppe Giannicola & Stefano Gumina

  2. Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy

    Carlo Della Rocca

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  1. Stefano Carbone
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  2. Vittorio Candela
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  3. Daniele Passaretti
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  4. Gianluca Cinotti
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  5. Carlo Della Rocca
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  6. Giuseppe Giannicola
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  7. Stefano Gumina
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Correspondence to Stefano Carbone.

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IRB: In light of the Italian law, authors are not required to ask for approval for this type of study. However, each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.

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Carbone, S., Candela, V., Passaretti, D. et al. Subdeltoid lipomas: a consecutive series of 13 cases. Musculoskelet Surg 96 (Suppl 1), 53–56 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-012-0190-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-012-0190-7

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