Copeman Nodules: A Rare Patient Case Occurring After a Herpes Zoster Infection

Copeman nodes are a herniation of subcutaneous adipose tissue into the underlying muscle layer, through a breach in the superficial muscle fascia. First described by Ries et al., these nodes were studied more closely by rheumatologists Copeman and Ackerman. These nodules may occur singularly or in groups and may be unilateral or bilateral. They are elastic to palpation, mobile, and vary in size from 1 to 3 cm. They are predominantly located in the lateral lumbar spine regions. The pain these nodes cause is superficial and constant but may be exacerbated by palpation and trunk movement. Sonography is essential for diagnosis as, due to their small size, they are difficult to detect with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Copeman nodes should be suspected in cases of chronic superficial lateral lumbar pain, especially when other causes have been excluded. This report describes a patient case with unusual onset of Copeman nodes, after contracting herpes zoster.