Minimally invasive resection of intramedullary ependymoma: case report.
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.
Ogden
Alfred T
AT
The Neurological Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. ato2@columbia.edu
Fessler
Richard G
RG
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