Syringomyelia: A review of the biomechanics

• Hydrodynamics is thought to play a major role in the development of syrinxes. • Engineers analyse the spinal cord system by building models in silico and physically. • Feasible aspects of the system mechanics are clarified and quantitatively tested. • Hypotheses by neurosurgeons about syrinx genesis are tested and others proposed. • Progress so far and still-open questions in syringomyelia pathogenesis are reviewed.