Syringomyelia: long-term results after posterior fossa decompression

Abstract

A retrospective study of the surgical results in 31 adult patients with syringomyelia associated with Arnold-Chiari malformation was carried out. The standard surgical procedure consisted of a posterior fossa craniectomy. The vallecula was opened in 28 patients, with plugging of the central canal in 19. In 3 patients, severe arachnoidal scarring was present, and dissection was not attempted. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 5-10 yr. More than half of the patients considered themselves improved by surgery. Only 5 cases showed objective improvement. Despite the operation, 6 patients experienced progressive neurological deterioration.