Highlights Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is characterized by back pain due to the accumulation of body fat in the epidural space of the spinal canal. Obesity can lead to SEL. BMI regulation can be suggested before surgery to treat SEL. This Journal Watch summarizes the study, “Obesity is a risk factor for epidural lipomatosis: a meta-analysis” , published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2021.
Authors: Bi Zhang, Haifeng Yuan, Lihong Hu, Muhammad Saad Why was the study conducted? Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is characterized by back pain caused due to the accumulation of hypertrophied adipocytes in the epidural space of the spinal canal. Recent literature for SEL shows a prevalence rate of 6.2% and 8.6%, which could be attributed to advances in imaging technology, increased obesity, and the aging of the population. Several factors like exogenous steroids, overproduction…
