Foramen magnum decompression in adults with Chiari type 1 malformation: use of intraoperative ultrasound to guide extent of surgery

Abstract

Background Foramen magnum decompression (FMD) is an established technique for patients with Chiari-1 malformation. However, the extent of decompressive surgery is controversial, in particular whether dural opening is undertaken. Objective In this study, we report outcomes with our technique utilising intraoperative ultrasound (iOU) findings. Decision to proceed for further decompression was based on CSF flow around foramen magnum and visualisation of tip of tonsils. Methods Review of adults with CM-1 undergoing FMD 2013–2018. Patients underwent a suboccipital craniectomy ± partial C1 superior laminectomy ± duraplasty in a stepwise manner. Favourable iOU findings of CSF flow around the foramen magnum and pulsation of the tonsillar tips were sought at each step. Post-operative outcomes were assessed using the Chicago Chiari Outcome Score (CCOS). Results Fifty-seven patients were included. The mean age was 47 years (range 18–77 years). There was a strong female preponderance (48 females to nine males). The mean follow-up was 3.2 years (range 1–5 years). Surgery included: suboccipital craniectomy (52/57, 91%), plus partial C1 superior laminectomy (2/57, 4%), and plus duraplasty (3/57, 6%). Redo surgery was undertaken in 7/57 patients (12%). At final follow-up, 56/57 (98%) patients achieved a good (CCOS 13–16) or satisfactory (CCOS 9–12) outcome based on COSS. Conclusions A patient centred approach to surgery utilising findings from iOU can achieve favourable outcomes. Dural opening is not routinely required.