Comparing two surgical techniques for Chiari malformation treatment

Type of Surgical Intervention for Chiari Malformation-syringomyelia: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study

NA · Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT06079125

This study is testing which of two surgical methods works better for people with Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia to improve their health and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment352 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorXuanwu Hospital, Beijing (other)
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06079125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of posterior fossa decompression and duraplasty with or without tonsil manipulation in patients with Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two surgical approaches and will undergo follow-up assessments at 3-6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-surgery. These assessments will include physical exams, symptom reporting, and MRI scans to monitor outcomes and complications. The goal is to determine which approach leads to better patient outcomes and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 14 and older with Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia meeting specific MRI criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with preexisting conditions such as hydrocephalus, tumors, or those who have had prior posterior fossa surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients with Chiari malformation type I.

How similar studies have performed: While similar surgical approaches have been explored, this specific comparison of techniques in Chiari malformation treatment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥14 years old
* Chiari malformation type I ≥5 mm tonsillar ectopia
* a syrinx with a width \> 50% of the cross-sectional diameter of the spinal cord , and a length of at least 2 cervical and/or thoracic vertebral segments.
* MRI of the brain and cervical and thoracic spine are required prior to surgery and must be available to be shared with the Data Coordinating Center

Exclusion Criteria:

* included one or more of the following preexisting conditions: hydrocephalus; tumor; brain trauma; stroke; meningitis; abscess;
* other congenital anomalies of the brain or skull base; vertebral anomalies (i.e., Klippel-Feil, atlas assimilation, etc.);
* degenerative or demyelinating disease;
* CM-I without syringomyelia;
* syringomyelia with cerebellar tonsils in a normal position;
* fibromyalgia;
* chronic fatigue syndrome;
* prior posterior fossa surgery.
* Unable to share pre-decompression MRI of the brain and spine Patients who do not wish to participate

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chiari Malformation Type I, Tonsillectomy, posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty, tonsillectomy, FMDD

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.