Article Writing

Write a 5 pages paper on decompression surgery: sub occipital craniotomy and c-1 laminectomy for arnold chiari malformation. Pollock (2008) noted that Arnold-Chiari Malformation consists of variety of symptoms making its diagnosis difficult to establish. This is characterized by the presence of skull depression, reduction in the pathways of cerebrospinal fluid, and protrusion of cerebellar tonsil into the spinal canal through the foramen magnum that cause various problems in the sensory – motor (Pollock, 2008).

The following are noted as indications to operate patients with Chiari Malformations. These include failure to thrive, progressive spasticity or weakness of the upper extremities, pressure inside the head/neck, breathing problems, uncoordinated movement, speech problems, deterioration of alertness, and problems in walking (Venes, et al., 1986 and Columbia University Medical Center, 2011). Venes, et al (1986) noted in their study that out of 14 patients with meningomyelocoele with corresponding Arnold – Chiari Malformation in the study, nine of them had improved significantly after the surgery and three patients experiencing progressive deterioration were stabilized by surgical intervention. Vene, et al. (1986) added that in the treatment of the Arnold – Chiari II Deformity, fourth ventricular decompression by fenestration and internal shunting is reportedly tolerated well even among the young infants.

The goal of treatment for Arnold – Chiari Malformation is to restore a normal CSF flow in the foramen magnum region through surgical procedure that includes cervicomedullary junction decompression (Pakzaban, 2010). Pakzaban (2010) noted that surgical procedure include suboccipial craniectomy, cervical laminectomy, duraplasty, and arachnoid dissection.

According to Pakzaban (2010), the surgical preparation for Arnold – Chiari decompression procedure is similar with the elective surgical procedure.