Complex Chiari malformation: using craniovertebral junction metrics to guide treatment

Childs Nerv Syst. 2019 Oct;35(10):1847-1851. doi: 10.1007/s00381-019-04214-z. Epub 2019 May 28.

Abstract

The complex Chiari, characterized by abnormal craniocervical bony anatomy in addition to Chiari tonsillar herniation, is a relatively recent addition to the concepts surrounding the Chiari literature. The primary findings of complex Chiari include craniocervical kyphosis and retroflexed odontoid, both of which can be described with radiographic measurements. This manuscript will outline the background literature regarding Chiari craniocervical morphometrics and supply an algorithm for the general management of complex Chiari patients.

Keywords: Chiari; Occipital-cervical fusion; Posterior fossa decompression.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / surgery
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / surgery
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / surgery
  • Cervical Atlas / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cervical Atlas / surgery
  • Clinical Decision-Making* / methods
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Decompression, Surgical / standards
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic / standards*