title: Minimally invasive resection of intramedullary ependymoma: case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This report illustrates the adequacy of minimally invasive exposure for the resection of an intramedullary ependymoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient presented with a history of upper back pain, but a lesion was found during a workup for increased back pain after a motor vehicle accident.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intramedullary ependymoma was approached using a muscle-splitting retractor and extended hemilaminar exposure. The tumor was removed using conventional techniques.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This minimally invasive exposure is adequate for selected intramedullary lesions and may be especially useful in patients with a high risk of postlaminectomy deformity.
authors.affiliation: The Neurological Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. ato2@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Alfred T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Ogden
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Fessler
mesh_terms: D004806:Ependymoma / Q000601:surgery*; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome