ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical effect and prognosis of anterior posterior surgery on treatment of patients with the basilar invagination complicated with Chiari malformation.MethodsTwelve cases of skull base depression complicated with Chiari malformation treated in our hospital from February 2009 to February 2016 were selected to analyze the clinical efficacy, changes in imaging parameters, and prognosis of patients before and after operation.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 7 days to 20 months, and the clinical symptoms and signs of postoperative patients were significantly improved. The postoperative JOA score (14.14±2.04) was significantly higher than the preoperative JOA score (6.65±1.23)(P<0.05). It was significantly improved for the postoperative CL value, ML value, WL value, Klaus height index, cervicomedullary angle and cranial base angle parameters compared to the preoperative parameters in 12 patients with fewer postoperative complications (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe clinical results of the combined anterior and posterior approach to the skull base depression complicated with Chiari were significantly improved with spinal cord function. The incidence of complications was low and the shortterm prognosis was good.