[Diagnosis and microsurgical treatment of syringomyelia]

The results of examination (96) and microsurgical operations in 39 patients with syringomyelia are discussed. The average age and duration of the disease before the operation were, respectively, 36 and 11 years. Radiological and electrophysiological methods were used in establishing the diagnosis. Operative treatment included restoration of c.s.f. circulation at the level of the craniovertebral junction in 12 and ultrasonic myelotomy in the entry zone of the posterior radices in 27 patients. The results were positive in most patients with a catamnesis of 6-27 months, mainly when the disease was of a short duration.