A "fatty spine" isn't a single, formally defined medical condition. The term likely refers to several different conditions involving excess fat in or around the spine. These conditions can affect the spinal cord, the surrounding tissues, or the muscles supporting the spine. Let's explore some possibilities:
1. Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis (SEL)
Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare disorder where excessive fat tissue accumulates in the epidural space – the area outside the dura mater (the outermost membrane covering the spinal cord). This buildup of fat can compress the spinal cord, leading to potential neurological symptoms. [Source: https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/condition/spinal-epidural-lipomatosis-sel, https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/articles.html, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8567763/]
2. Spinal Cord Lipomas
Spinal cord lipomas are collections of fat cells forming a mass in the lower spinal canal, often near the spinal cord itself. Unlike SEL, these lipomas are located within the spinal canal. They may or may not cause noticeable symptoms. [Source: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/neurosurgery/conditions-treated/spinal-cord-lipomas-lipomyelomeningoceles, https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/spinal-cord-lipomas-and-lipomyelomeningoceles-factsheet]
3. Fatty Infiltration of Paraspinal Muscles
This refers to the replacement of muscle tissue in the paraspinal muscles (muscles alongside the spine) with fat. This is often associated with aging, spinal disorders like lumbar disc degeneration, and lack of physical activity. [Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.656487/full, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27497888/, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9150320/]
4. Focal Fatty Deposits in Bone Marrow
While not directly related to the spine's exterior structure or muscles, focal fatty deposits can occur within the bone marrow of the vertebrae. These are often visualized on MRI scans and are not always indicative of a pathological condition. [Source: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/focal-fatty-deposits-in-bone-marrow]
In summary, "fatty spine" is an imprecise term encompassing various conditions involving abnormal fat deposition around or within the spinal column. The specific condition and its severity determine the necessary treatment.
