Repair of Chiari III malformation using cranioplasty and an occipital rotation flap: technical note and review of literature.
BACKGROUND
Chiari III malformation (CM3) is rare among Chiari malformations (I-IV). Its definition has been expanded to include caudal medullary displacement and hindbrain herniation into encephaloceles in lower occipital and high cervical regions. Prognosis is recorded as dismal, with respect to survival and functional outcome.


METHODS
We describe the presentation, radiologic evaluation, and repair of this malformation using methyl-methacrylate cranioplasty and an occipital scalp rotation flap for closure. Outcome after surgery is addressed.


RESULTS
Adequate closure of the defect and protection of underlying structures was achieved without undue stress at incision site.


CONCLUSIONS
This method of closure can be considered in cases of large occipital and cervical encephaloceles with poor skin cover and added osseous anomalies around the foramen magnum.
Furtado
Sunil V
SV
Department of Neurosurgery, Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, Bangalore 560066, Karnataka State, India. sunilvf@gmail.com
Anantharam
Bangalore A
BA
Reddy
Kalyan
K
Hegde
Alangar S
AS
D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000209:etiology; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008689:Methacrylates; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009778:Occipital Lobe / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008689:Methacrylates