Craniectomy for Chiari Malformation

The chiari malformation surgery is used to treat an abnormality that results in a part of the brain extending into the upper spinal canal. During the procedure, small sections of bone are removed from the rear of the skull and spine to create more space for the errant brain tissue. The patient is anesthetized and a portion of the scalp is shaved. The patient’s head is secured to prevent movement.

The surgeon creates an incision in the back of the head extending down to the upper neck in the midline. The soft tissue and upper neck muscles are pulled back to expose the skull and first vertebra. Using a high-speed drill with a cutting burr, the surgeon removes a section of bone at the base of the skull to create more space for the brain. This is called a craniectomy. Then, the surgeon removes the back arch of the C1 vertebra. This is known as a laminectomy. Depending on the level of abnormality, lamina from one or more vertebrae may need to be removed.

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