Minimally invasive resection of intramedullary ependymoma: case report.

Abstract

This report illustrates the adequacy of minimally invasive exposure for the resection of an intramedullary ependymoma. 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. The intramedullary ependymoma was approached using a muscle-splitting retractor and extended hemilaminar exposure. The tumor was removed using conventional techniques. This minimally invasive exposure is adequate for selected intramedullary lesions and may be especially useful in patients with a high risk of postlaminectomy deformity.