Cerebellar tonsil manipulation in Chiari malformation type I surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD) is a common Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) treatment, aiming to restore CSF flow and alleviate symptoms. When syringomyelia is present, PFDD is recommended. However, adding cerebellar tonsil manipulation (PFDTM) remains controversial. This systematic review evaluated whether PFDTM improves clinical outcomes compared to PFDD.

Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched five databases for comparative cohort studies reporting postoperative outcomes using the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS). Ten studies involving 1527 patients (896 PFDTM, 631 PFDD) met the inclusion criteria. Studies involving only bone decompression or cranioplasty were excluded. Outcomes analyzed included CCOS scores, overall clinical improvement (Gestalt), syringomyelia resolution, CSF-related complications, and meningitis. Risk of bias and evidence certainty were assessed using validated tools. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024573279).

PFDTM was associated with a significantly higher CCOS score than PFDD (mean difference 0.58; 95 %CI: 0.37-0.78; p < 0.00001) and greater Gestalt improvement (odds ratio 2.03; 95 %CI: 1.40-2.95; p = 0.0002). PFDTM was linked to a higher risk of meningitis (odds ratio 1.91; 95 %CI: 1.07-3.39; p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed for syringomyelia resolution or CSF-related complications. All outcomes were rated as low certainty of evidence.

Cerebellar tonsil manipulation improves clinical outcomes in CM-I surgery but increases the risk of meningitis. These findings support its selective use based on patient-specific risk-benefit profiles.