Posterior fossa reconstruction using titanium plate for the treatment of cerebellar ptosis after decompression for Chiari malformation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

We describe our use of a perforated titanium plate to perform a partial posterior fossa cranioplasty in the treatment of cerebellar ptosis and dural ectasia after posterior fossa decompression (PFD).

METHODS:

Twelve patients who had undergone PFD underwent posterior fossa reconstruction using a titanium plate. Symptoms were related to either descent of the cerebellum into the decompression or to dural ectasia into the craniectomy defect.

RESULTS:

Twelve patients who had undergone large suboccipital craniectomies and who presented with persistent headaches and some with neurological symptoms related to syringomyelia, underwent reoperation with placement of a small titanium plate. Ten of 12 patients showed symptomatic improvement after reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Placement of a titanium plate appears to be an effective method of treatment of cerebellar ptosis and dural ectasia after PFD for Chiari malformation.

• Authors: Vikram Udani, Langston T Holly, Daniel Chow, Ulrich Batzdorf
• Journal: World neurosurgery (World Neurosurg) 2014 May-Jun Vol. 81 Issue 5-6 Pg. 836-41 ISSN: 1878-8769 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23336987 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Titanium

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Arnold-Chiari Malformation (pathology, surgery)
• Blepharoptosis (etiology, surgery)
• Bone Plates
• Cranial Fossa, Posterior (pathology, surgery)
• Decompressive Craniectomy (adverse effects, methods)
• Dura Mater (pathology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Plastic Surgery Procedures (methods)
• Reoperation (methods)
• Titanium
• Young Adult