Abstract

Introduction: Chiari malformation encompasses a spectrum of congenital hindbrain herniation syndromes. In 1883 by Cleland initially described the general pathological changes of one type of malformations. So study aimed to see the clinical patterns of the disease, to compare the clinical data with other studies and to study the clinical improvement after surgical treatment. Material and Methods: The study consisted of 36 patients who presented to this institute between October 2012 and January 2015 in whom a diagnosis of Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia was made and who underwent surgery. Clinical data such as age, sex, chief complaints, presenting complaints, symptoms, related to syringomeylia were recorded. Results: Average duration of symptoms is 13.5 months of these commonest is Neck pain in 32 patients (89%). Plain X - Rays of the cervical spine were available in 36 patients, The findings were as follows Loss of tunneling / increased canal diameter -15, Magnetic resonance imaging studies were available in 36 patients. Chiari I malformation with syringomeylia was present in all patients, CT Brain - No hydrocephalous, The location of the syrinx was as follows Cervical -14 and Cervico - dorsal – 22. All the patients in this study population underwent small sub occipital craniectomy and foramen magnum decompression. Removal of Posterior arch of CI and Duraplasty with G patch graft. Complications were CSF leak was observed in 02 cases for those cases reexploration done and duroplasty performed. Conclusions: Foramen magnum decompression with small sub occipital craniectomy, removal of posterior arch of C1 and duroplasty using G patch graft, with water tight dural closure has given good results.

Authors and Affiliations