ARNOLD-CHIARI MALFORMATION AND ITS OPERATIVE TREATMENT

Authors:
  • WPWilder Penfield
    Wilder Penfield
  • DCDonald F. Coburn
    Donald F. Coburn
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Abstract
The Arnold-Chiari malformation is a downward elongation of the cerebellum and brain stem into the cervical portion of the spinal canal associated with spina bifida. Russell and Donald1pointed out that it is a more frequent accompaniment of spina bifida than is usually supposed and suggested that the malformation is the actual cause of the hydrocephalus which may also accompany this condition. Instead of the Arnold-Chiari malformation being a pathologic curiosity, as the rarity of reports in the literature until now would indicate it to be, the anomaly may present itself as an unexpected clinical problem to be dealt with by the neurosurgeon. For that reason, we describe an operation in a case of this condition, with a discussion of the mechanism of its production and suggestions as to the proper operative treatment. REVIEW OF LITERATURE In 1894 Arnold2described a newborn human monster with a very large