Comparison Study between Posterior Fossa Decompression with Duroplasty and Posterior Fossa Decompression without Duroplasty, in 20 Cases of Chiari I Malformation

Abstract

Introduction: Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is typically defined as descent of the caudal tip of cerebellar tonsils at least 5 mm below the foramen magnum. The incidence of the malformation is not exactly known. Treatment of Chiari I malformation is debatable. Some advocate posterior fossa decompression (PFD) with duroplasty and others advocate posterior fossa decompression only without duroplasty. Aim of the Study: To compare the outcomes of patients who undergoing PFD with duroplasty and PFD without duroplasty, in Chiari I malformation. Patients and Methods: In the period between "January 2015-June 2016", a prospective study was conducted involving 20 patients complaining of headache, motor and/or sensory affection secondary to Chiari I malformation. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first one had PFD with duroplasty and the other will have PFD without duroplasty. All patients had chiari one malformation in form of tonsillar herniation and cervical or cervico-dorsal syrinx. The average follow-up period was 9 months. Results: Over 90% of patients had a good clinical outcome, with improvement or resolution of their symptoms at last follow-up. There were no major complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.0 days. There was no perioperative death or neurological deterioration. The use of duroplasty was significantly associated with presence of complications and longer duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: PFD without duroplasty in cases of chiari I malformation carries a good results as well as PFD with duroplasty with lower risk of complications.