The intertitles note that the essential feature of the operation is to make an opening into the syringomyelic cavity. The film begins with the dura (a layer surrounding the spinal cord) exposed but not opened. The edges of the dura are retracted with sutures. The intertitles points out the symptoms of syringomyelia. A hypodermic syringe confirms the diagnosis. The spinal cord is divided and the cavity exposed. The cord is left open and the dura is closed.