Scoliosis Associated With Chiari I Malformations: The Effect of Suboccipital Decompression on Scoliosis Curve Progression

Abstract

Thirteen patients of the 21 study patients (62%) had curve improvement or stabilization during the follow-up period. Eight of 21 patients (38%) had curve progression. Closer analysis reveals that the age, gender, and initial size of the scoliotic curve influenced the results of suboccipital decompression on the behavior of the scoliosis. Specifically, 10 of 11 patients (91%) who were less than 10 years of age at the time of suboccipital decompression have had their curves improve or stay the same during follow-up. In contrast, 5 of 7 female patients (72%) older than 10 years old with a curve greater than 40 degrees before suboccipital decompression have either been fused or are awaiting fusion.