Numerous surgical approaches have been advocated for syringomyeria associated with Chiari malformation (type I ), but there is considerable controversy surrounding the method of surgical treatment. Foramen Magnum Decompression and Syringo-Subarachnoidal shunt are currently the accepted procedure of many neurosurgeons. The authors report the surgical results of two patients with syringomyeria associated with Chiari malformation (type I ) treated by Foramen Magnum Decompression only. In both patients, numbness, reduced pain and decreased temperature were observed in the upper extremities. MRI was performed pre-and post-operatively. Neurological symptoms and signs improved after operation in both cases. Post operative MRI showed a decrease in the size of the syrinx. The authors propose surgery by Foramen Magnum Decompression only as an effective treatment for syringomyeria associated with Chiari malformation (type I ) compared to Syringo-Subarachnoidal shunt.
