Are dorsal column deficits inevitable in intramedullary spine tumor resection?

Postoperative dorsal column deficits occurred in 97% patients who underwent midline myelotomy for intramedullary tumor resection. Dorsal column deficits improved in 18% yet remained stable in the remaining 82%. Motor deficits improved in only 12% and remained stable/worsened in 88%. These results highlight the high rate of dorsal column deficits in patients requiring midline myelotomy for resection of intramedullary tumors.