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.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

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.

INTERVENTION

The intramedullary ependymoma was approached using a muscle-splitting retractor and extended hemilaminar exposure. The tumor was removed using conventional techniques.

CONCLUSION

This minimally invasive exposure is adequate for selected intramedullary lesions and may be especially useful in patients with a high risk of postlaminectomy deformity.