Abstract
Although lipomatous tumors are common, intra-articular occurrence is exceedingly rare
and sparsely described in the literature. Regarding these rare entities, most are
benign, progressively growing tumors and often occur in the knee, yet it is crucial
to distinguish the less infrequent lipoma arborescens (LA) from the rarer synovial
lipoma, as they differ in presentation and pathogenesis. Magnetic resonance imaging
is the exam of choice in their assessment and in differential diagnosis, playing a
central role nowadays.
Excision and synovectomy, either arthroscopic or by arthrotomy, provide good outcomes
with low recurrence rates. By reporting two surgically treated distinct cases of intra-articular
lipomatous tumors of the knee, the authors intend to review the literature and discuss
their etiology, clinical and imaging aspects as well as treatment approach.
Keywords
knee joint - soft tissue neoplasms - lipoma - synovectomy
