The Relationship Between Basilar Invagination and Chiari Malformation Type I: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Basilar invagination (BI) and Chiari malformation type I CM-I) are the most common adult craniovertebral junction malformations, and they are frequently associated with each other and present synchronously. The relationship between BI and CM-I has remained incompletely understood, and the choice of surgical strategy has remained controversial. This brief review focuses on the different aspects of BI and CM-I, and further discusses the relationship between these two concomitant pathologies on the basis of the concepts proposed over the last three decades.

Keywords: Basilar invagination; Chiari I malformation; Craniovertebral junction; Posterior cranial fossa.