Management of Ventral Brainstem Compression in Chiari Malformation Type I.

Journal: Neurosurgery Clinics Of North America
Published:
Abstract

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) abnormalities are associated with the Chiari malformation type I. These abnormalities may lead to ventral brainstem compression which can be reduced with traction and posterior reduction using instrumentation. In other cases, the irreducible CVJ pathology with persistent ventral brainstem compression requires ventral decompression. In all cases, a posterior extradural or extra-intradural decompression is required along with an occipitocervical fusion to maintain the reduced and realigned CVJ or stabilize the CVJ after a ventral decompression.