Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
In this paper the author summarizes currently available surgical approaches to spinal syringomyelia that is unrelated to Chiari I malformation or hindbrain descent. Primary spinal syringomyelia is most commonly associated with spinal trauma but is also encountered as a sequela to intradural inflammatory processes (infections or chemical), as a delayed response to surgical procedures, and in association with intra- and extradural neoplasms as well as disc protrusions. The advantages of placing a shunt are its technical simplicity and immediate reduction of syrinx size; its major disadvantages are the high rate of failure observed in long-term follow up and the difficulty in applying this technique in septated cysts. Expansion of the subarachnoid space with resection of scars has better long-term results. Patients in whom a syrinx cavity has caused a kyphotic spinal deformity may need to undergo a procedure in which the kyphotic deformity is corrected to expand the subarachnoid space. Cyst obliteration is an experimental approach that cannot be evaluated at the present time.
Introduction
In this report current surgical procedures that are performed to treat patients with primary spinal syringomyelia are summarized.