A modification of the classic technique for expansion duroplasty of the posterior fossa.

OBJECTIVE

Expansion of the posterior fossa is the goal in treatment of many neurosurgical diseases sharing a small posterior fossa and/or tightness at the level of foramen magnum. To further enhance the dural opening at the level of foramen magnum, a modification in the duroplasty technique is suggested.

METHODS

A simple modification of the classic Y-shaped technique for expansion duroplasty of the posterior fossa is described. This includes an "inverse V-shaped" extension at the bottom of linear durotomy.

RESULTS

The key advantage of this technique is creating more transverse expansion of the dural opening in the lower part of duroplasty. This technique has been used in six patients with no technical difficulties or complications.

CONCLUSION

This new method of dural opening provides a safe and likely efficient addition to the traditional technique of posterior fossa durotomy.