Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion combined with fat decompression for grade III idiopathic spinal epidural lipomatosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spinal epidural lipomatosis is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of fatty tissue in the epidural space of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 72-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with a 6-month history of lower back pain, bilateral lower limb numbness, and difficulty in walking. After a comprehensive evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with Grade Ⅲ Idiopathic Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis. He then underwent Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) combined with fat decompression surgery. The patient's symptoms significantly improved postoperatively, and he had no significant discomfort or related complications during the 3-month postoperative follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: TLIF interbody fusion combined with fat decompression surgery is an effective procedure for patients with Grade Ⅲ idiopathic spinal epidural lipomatosis.