title: Spinal Deformity Associated with Chiari Malformation.
abstract: Despite the frequency of Chiari-associated spinal deformities, this disease process remains poorly understood. Syringomyelia is often present; however, this is not necessary and scoliosis has been described in the absence of a syrinx. Decompression of the hindbrain is often recommended. In young patients (<10 years old) and/or those with small coronal Cobb measurements (<40°), decompression of the hindbrain may lead to resolution of the spinal deformity. Spinal fusion is reserved for those curves that progress to deformities greater than 50°. Further research is needed to understand the underlying pathophysiology to improve prognostication and treatment of this patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8233, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA. Electronic address: kellymi@wudosis.wustl.edu.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gillette Children's Hospital, 200 University Ave E, St Paul, MN 55101, USA.
authors.forename: Tenner J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Guillaume
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8233, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Lawrence G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Lenke
mesh_terms: D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Chiari malformation; Early onset; Scoliosis; Syringomyelia; Syrinx