How I do it - The "drum skin" duraplasty technique after foramen magnum decompression for Chiari malformations.

BACKGROUND

Chiari malformations are a spectrum of posterior cranial fossa anomalies characterized by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Surgery is the treatment of choice for selected patients with good postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We describe foramen magnum decompression (FMD) with dural opening and a "drum skin" duraplasty technique.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, FMD with "drum skin" duraplasty is a safe and effective procedure, reducing the risk of CSF leakage and arachnoidal adhesions and yielding better long-term clinical and radiological outcomes than other traditional techniques.