SURGICAL TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF ISOLATED AND SYRINGOMYELIA-COMPLICATED FORMS OF TYPE I CHIARI MALFORMATION

Abstract

The article presents a research study examining the outcomes of surgical treatment for Chiari malformation type I (CMI). A total of 102 patients were included in the study and divided into two main groups: without syringomyelia (group A, n=46) and with syringomyelia (group B, n=56). Surgical interventions included suboccipital craniotomy, resection of C1/C2 arches, revision of the subarachnoid membrane, thermocoagulation of cerebellar tonsils, and duraplasty. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the Chicago Chiari Outcomes Scale (CCOS). Sensory and motor dysfunctions were observed more frequently in Group B. In the early and intermediate postoperative periods, regression of neurological symptoms was statistically more prominent in Group A (p<0.05). At long-term follow-up, positive clinical dynamics were preserved in both groups. The mean total CCOS scores were 14.04 ± 2.27 in Group A and 13.52 ± 2.11 in Group B. However, residual symptomatology was more frequently noted in Group B. The results confirm the overall effectiveness of surgical treatment for CMI and emphasize the importance of early intervention and individualized approaches in improving outcomes in cases complicated by syringomyelia.