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New Trends in Craniovertebral Junction Surgery pp 89–95Cite as

Chiari Malformations

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Part of the book series: Acta Neurochirurgica Supplement ((NEUROCHIRURGICA,volume 125))

Abstract

Background: Chiari malformations (CM) represent a group of anomalies characterized by descent of the cerebellar tonsils or vermis into the cervical spinal canal. These malformations can be associated with abnormalities such as hydrocephalus, spina bifida, hydromyelia, syringomyelia, curvature of the spine (kyphosis and scoliosis) and tethered cord syndrome. Hereditary syndromes and other disorders that affect growth and bone formation—such as craniosynostosis, Ehlers–Danlos syndromes and Klippel–Feil syndrome—can also be associated with CM.

Methods: The literature concerning treatment is large, and an extensive range of therapeutic protocols have been described. The literature is inclined in favour of surgery; however, there is controversy over when to perform surgery and which procedure is most appropriate. Lately, the indications for stabilization have been under discussion.

Results and Conclusion: In this paper we review the literature and discuss the historical background, anatomical forms, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, relationships with other diseases and diagnostic procedures for these abnormalities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Division of Neurosurgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Cristina Mancarella, Roberto Delfini & Alessandro Landi

Authors
  1. Cristina Mancarella
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  2. Roberto Delfini
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  3. Alessandro Landi
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University of Rome, Institute of Neurosurgery, Rome, Italy

    Massimiliano Visocchi

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Mancarella, C., Delfini, R., Landi, A. (2019). Chiari Malformations. In: Visocchi, M. (eds) New Trends in Craniovertebral Junction Surgery. Acta Neurochirurgica Supplement, vol 125. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62515-7_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62515-7_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-62514-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-62515-7

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