Short-Term and Long-Term Complications Associated with Posterior Fossa Decompression for Chiari Malformation

Abstract

Surgery is the treatment of choice for symptomatic patients with Chiari anomalies Although the surgical treatment of Chiari anomalies in adults is a straightforward procedure, complications and less than satisfactory outcomes do occur. Understanding these complications is important for correcting the problem as well as preventing the recurrence of similar problems. In this article, the author review the short-term and long-term complications associated with posterior fossa decompression for Chiari malformation.

Keywords: Basilar invagination; Cerebellar ptosis; Chiari malformation; Cranio-cervical instability; Dural ectasia; Pseudomeningocele; Syringomyelia.