Subarachnoid-Subarachnoid (S-S) Bypass Versus Adhesion Lysis in Spinal Arachnoiditis and Syringomyelia

Subarachnoid-Subarachnoid (S-S) Bypass Versus Adhesion Lysis in Spinal Arachnoiditis and Syringomyelia

To determine whether Subarachnoid-Subarachnoid (S-S) Bypass results in better patient outcomes with fewer complications and improved quality of life compared to intradural adhesion lysis in individuals with Spinal Arachnoiditis and Syringomyelia.

Participants with Spinal Arachnoiditis and Syringomyelia will be randomized to either have a Subarachnoid-Subarachnoid (S-S) Bypass or intradural adhesion Lysis. The participant will then return to the neurosurgeon's office at the following time points which are consistent with standard of care practice: 3-6 months, 12 and 24 months. At these visits, the clinician will complete a physical exam and the participant will report on the prognosis of symptoms and complete questionnaires. A spine MRI will be performed 3-6 months, 12 and 24 months after the decompression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) history of traumatic spinal cord injury or other infection; 2) evidence of progressive neurological deficit, and/or pain syndrome; 3) MRI showing a syringomyelia due to spinal trauma or other infection; and 4) minimum follow-up period of more than 1 year.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chiari-malformation, myelomalacia, subarachnoid cyst, syringomyelia due to other spinal diseases (such as degenerative spinal disease)