Chiari malformation treatment with fusion surgery

Sometimes, Chiari malformation is associated with problems where the skull and spine meet, like bones or connective tissues. When this happens, decompression surgeries might not be enough to prevent further harm and relieve symptoms because they can't fix brain stem compression. In these cases, fusion surgery can be helpful. The operation joins the skull and vertebrae in the neck to create a single bone, strengthening the spine and shielding the spinal cord from additional damage. Fusion Chiari surgery is performed under general anesthesia. To ensure access to the back of the neck, you will be face down during the procedure, and your head will be carefully fixed in a unique positioning device. After sedation, the surgeon creates a vertical incision in the upper portion of the spine just below the skull. Next, the neurosurgeon carefully places specialized permanent instruments into the corresponding bones using computed tomography and visually guided techniques, then permanently fuse. Finally, the bone fusion material is placed directly on the surgical fusion area to stimulate growth. After completing the procedures necessary to reduce pressure on the brain and spinal canal and confirm decompression, the incisions are sutured. While improvement of symptoms may be noticeable immediately after the procedure, progress can continue for up to a year. Your surgeon will provide appropriate supervision and recommend physical therapy to aid in restoring your range of neck movements.