A modification of the classic technique for expansion duroplasty of the posterior fossa.
OBJECTIVE
Expansion of the posterior fossa is the goal in treatment of many neurosurgical diseases sharing a small posterior fossa and/or tightness at the level of foramen magnum. To further enhance the dural opening at the level of foramen magnum, a modification in the duroplasty technique is suggested.


METHODS
A simple modification of the classic Y-shaped technique for expansion duroplasty of the posterior fossa is described. This includes an "inverse V-shaped" extension at the bottom of linear durotomy.


RESULTS
The key advantage of this technique is creating more transverse expansion of the dural opening in the lower part of duroplasty. This technique has been used in six patients with no technical difficulties or complications.


CONCLUSIONS
This new method of dural opening provides a safe and likely efficient addition to the traditional technique of posterior fossa durotomy.
Pirouzmand
Fahrad
F
Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada. farhad.pirouzmand@sw.ca
Tucker
William S
WS
D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000601:surgery*; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000601:surgery*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*