Treatment of Chiari malformation combined with basilar invagination by staged anterior and posterior decompression

Abstract

Objective There is usually anterior compression of the brain stem in Chiari malformation patients combined with basilar invagination.After anterior decompression,many patients will present elevation of the cerebellar tonsil and resolution of syringomyelia.However,still in some patients,the Chiari malformation and syringomyelia remain unchanged after anterior decompression.This article is to discuss a staged anterior and posterior decompression strategy for the treatment of these patients.Methods 9 cases of Chiari malformation combined with basilar invagination were operated by transoral transpharyngeal odontoidectomy first,observed for 1 -2 months,the Chiari malformation and syringomyelia did not relieve,then posterior foramen magnum decompression,tonsillectomy and expansion of posterior fossa dura combined with occipito - cervical fusion or C1-2 fusion were performed.The patients were followed up for 24 - 60 months ( mean 32 months).Results There was no mortality or severe complication.The clinical symptoms were improved in all patients.The Chiari malformation and syringomyelia were relieved in 8 patients,while unchange in 1 case.Conclusions For Chiari malformation patients combine with basilar invagination,anterior decompression with odontoidectomy should be performed first. In many patients,increase ofposterior fossa volume,improved CSF dynamic may be achieved,posterior fusion will be enough.While in some other patients,only symptoms of basilar invagination may be improved after anterior decompression.So posterior decompression is still important. Key words: Platybasia;  Arnold - Chiari malformation;  Cranio - vertebral junction malformation;  Odontoidectomy ;  Occipito - cervical fusion